Father Found Guilty in Son’s Fatal Stabbing
BOSTON, October 30, 2019 — A Suffolk Superior court today convicted a man who fatally stabbed his son inside their family home, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins announced.
Jurors deliberated for approximately one day before finding DESMOND TAHATDIL, 57, guilty of second-degree murder in the 2017 stabbing death of his 35-year-old son, Brendon Tahatdil.
“Today is not a celebration for this office or for the victim’s family. Their pain is immeasurable, and my office will continue to provide any services they may need as they continue to work through their grief and trauma,” District Attorney Rollins said. “This verdict was the right outcome in this terrible act of domestic violence. I’m grateful to the members of my office, the Boston Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service who worked to hold this defendant accountable.”
Witnesses testified that the defendant, the victim, and the victim’s infant son shared living space in the basement of the Tahatdil family home at 66 Hartford Street in Dorchester. Witnesses testified that the men had been involved in arguments prior to the deadly assault on March 7, 2017.
A family member heard fighting from the basement and alerted others in the home. Witnesses observed the defendant on the home’s first floor with no obvious injuries. He made statements to witnesses indicating that his son wouldn’t let him sleep, and that he had stabbed him.
Family members found Brendon Tahatdil collapsed at the bottom of the basement stairs. He was bleeding from multiple stab wounds, including one that had punctured his lung and heart. He was transported by ambulance to Boston Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
The defendant fled the home prior to the arrival of police. He was apprehended in Brooklyn, New York, on June 6, 2018, as the result of an extensive search by the Boston Police Fugitive Unit with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tara Burdman and Assistant District Attorney Amy Martin. Erin O’Connor is District Attorney Rollins’ assigned victim witness advocate. The defendant is represented by attorneys Kelli Porges and Michael Hussey. Sentencing before Judge Robert Ullman will take place on November 20, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., in courtroom 806 of Suffolk Superior Court.
Domestic violence impacts individuals of all races, genders, and backgrounds.It is about power and control.If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence and are in immediate danger call 911. In addition, a free 24/7 statewide support line is available through SafeLink at 1-877-785-2020. To be connected to additional resources you can also contact the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 617-419-4000 and ask to the Chief of the Victim Witness Advocate Unit. You are not alone. Help is available.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.