Massachusetts Man Charged in Violent Lake Incident
A seemingly fit elderly man from Massachusetts, aged 70, is facing serious charges for allegedly trying to drown a 21-year-old with mild disabilities during a confrontation at a lake boat launch. This intense altercation was recorded, showing the violent nature of the incident.
Witnesses had to rescue the young jet skier, Matthew Duffy, from the water after he was reportedly forced onto his back close to the shore, as evidenced by a viral video.
Authorities have charged the man, Steven Dana, with attempted murder, strangulation, and assault on a person with a disability. The incident occurred at Sandy Beach on Maspennock Lake in Hopkinton, approximately 55 miles from Boston.
Video footage captured Dana’s growing agitation as Duffy and his friends enjoyed their time on a jet ski. Dana, a local resident, expressed his frustration over the noise from the watercraft while looming over them from an embankment.
Duffy, who was still using crutches due to injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident earlier in the year, reportedly encountered Dana when he and his friends were at the boat ramp. According to a police report cited by local news, Dana attempted to force them out of the water.
As tensions escalated, Duffy, while urging Dana to relax and enjoy the day, faced demands to move the jet ski to another area. The situation took a rapid turn when Dana approached angrily, seemingly intent on confronting the group.
“Are you planning on killing someone?” one of Duffy’s friends called out, perhaps thinking it was a joke. Yet, Dana’s response was chilling: “I don’t care. I take on disabled people.”
In a shocking moment, Dana slapped Duffy in the face, pushing him to the ground. The recorded footage then showed Dana on top of Duffy, apparently holding him underwater. Friends nearby shouted for help, and shortly after, several adults intervened, pulling Dana away.
Duffy, visibly shaken and injuring himself further while trying to escape, made his way to the shore. He later expressed his fear for his life, saying, “I couldn’t fight back. I was terrified with this guy on top of me in the water.”
Dana was taken into custody but was released the following day after posting a $7,500 cash bail. While he maintains his innocence, he chose not to speak to reporters after the court hearing.
Prosecutors have noted that Dana has a lengthy criminal record stretching back to the 1990s, including instances of using a false identity. This background adds a layer of complexity to an already troubling case.
