Massachusetts Man Charged with Stabbing Mother's Boyfriend 17 Times and Using Lighter Fluid in Fatal Fight Over Steaks

A 41-year-old man from Massachusetts faces murder charges after allegedly stabbing his mother’s boyfriend 17 times during a heated argument over dinner. The incident unfolded Saturday night at the home of the victim, 66-year-old Paul Pomerleau.

According to investigators, Andrew Horsman lost control during a dispute regarding steaks, resulting in a brutal attack on Pomerleau. Prosecutor Nicole Piacentini Lawson detailed the events during Horsman’s arraignment, stating that he approached Pomerleau and stabbed him repeatedly.

After the assault, Horsman reportedly poured a gallon of lighter fluid over Pomerleau’s body, but was unable to ignite it due to the intervention of another family member. Following the attack, Horsman fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter by local police.

Pomerleau was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries within an hour. Lawson noted that Horsman had been living with his mother and Pomerleau at the time of the incident.

Witnesses indicated that tensions had been brewing between the two men prior to the stabbing. Pomerleau had expressed discontent regarding Horsman’s unemployment and his continued residence with his mother, which may have contributed to the volatile situation.

Horsman’s attorney, Joshua Wood, argued that the violent outburst was not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of years of domestic strife. “These people knew each other. There was a long relationship here and I think that’s important,” Wood stated. He emphasized that the history between Horsman and Pomerleau was fraught with conflict, suggesting that this incident was a response to ongoing suffering rather than a random act of violence.

Details surrounding the specific nature of the argument over the steaks remain unclear, as does the duration of Pomerleau’s relationship with Horsman’s mother. Pomerleau had played a significant role in Horsman’s upbringing, according to Peter, Pomerleau’s twin brother.

Neighbors expressed disbelief at the violent turn of events, recalling Horsman as a gentle individual. “I’ve known him for 30 years. And I’ll tell you, he was like a gentle giant. He was a great guy,” neighbor Jeff Burr remarked.

During his arraignment, Horsman pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on July 28.