Man Arrested After Fight Over Sneezing Near Thanksgiving Dinner Turns Deadly

A Thanksgiving meal preparation took a fatal turn in Marshfield, Massachusetts, when a dispute between two longtime roommates led to tragedy. Robert Lombardi, 65, now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and assault and battery on an elderly person following the death of 80-year-old Frank Griswold.

Concerns Over Food Contamination

The conflict arose on Nov. 27, 2024, the day before Thanksgiving. Lombardi, who had been cooking in the shared kitchen, grew frustrated with Griswold for being near the food. According to court records, Lombardi was particularly concerned about Griswold's habit of sneezing, which he feared could contaminate the meal.

Lombardi later admitted to investigators that he told Griswold to stay away from the food, as reported by WCVB. However, when Lombardi returned to the kitchen and found Griswold doing the dishes, tensions boiled over. He admitted to grabbing Griswold from behind and throwing him to the side, which caused Griswold to fall and strike his head on the floor.

Griswold's Injuries and Death

Emergency responders arrived at the scene after Lombardi called 911. They found Griswold unconscious and bleeding from his head. He was transported to South Shore Hospital but succumbed to his injuries, which included a fractured neck and blunt-force trauma to the head. Medical examiners also noted additional injuries, such as a broken nose and a laceration on his neck.

Although Lombardi claimed he did not intend to harm Griswold, prosecutors alleged his reckless actions directly caused his roommate's fatal injuries.

Longstanding Friendship Ends in Tragedy

Lombardi and Griswold shared a long history, having first met in the 1990s while working together in finance. They became close friends and began living together in 2008. For more than 15 years, the pair rented a home in Marshfield, where they lived without incident until the events leading up to Griswold's death.

Lombardi, who is self-employed and has no prior criminal record, reportedly acted quickly to seek help after Griswold's fall. However, the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office charged him with involuntary manslaughter, citing his physical actions as the catalyst for the fatal injuries.

Legal Proceedings Continue

At a bail hearing, Lombardi pleaded not guilty to the charges. His defense attorney described the incident as a tragic accident rather than a criminal act, arguing that Lombardi's actions were unintentional. The prosecution requested that Lombardi be held without bail, citing concerns for community safety, but the judge disagreed, ruling that the charges did not qualify for a dangerousness hearing.

According to newly released court documents, Lombardi told police that he "surmised" Griswold tripped after being grabbed from behind and fell as a result. Prosecutors, however, said Lombardi admitted to grabbing and throwing Griswold toward the floor after finding him near the food.

As this case works its way through the legal process, it serves as a grim reminder of why it's so important to keep a level head, even in high-stress situations.

References: Man Accused of Killing Roommate Who 'Often Sneezes' After He Got Too Close to Thanksgiving Dinner: Reports | Judge sets bail for Marshfield man accused in roommate's death: What was said in court | Man accused of killing 80-year-old roommate in Marshfield home