Competency Evaluation Ordered for Man Charged with Mother’s Murder

BOSTON, March 17, 2022— A man was arraigned from his hospital bed today following his arrest in the murder of his mother, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

NAJEE HERBERT, 23, was arraigned on a charge of murder during a proceeding held this morning in his hospital room at Boston Medical Center.  Judge David Weingarten ordered that the defendant be held without bail and sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for a competency evaluation once medically cleared for release from Boston Medical Center, where he is currently being treated for self-inflicted injuries.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kettlewell told the court that a relative of 58-year-old Donna Lamb traveled to the victim’s Tremont Street apartment on Tuesday after being unable to reach her over a period of days.  Herbert answered the door to the apartment and made statements that he had stabbed the victim. 

“My office and I are heartbroken by this tragic domestic violence homicide.  It’s hard to comprehend the pain her family is in right now.  My staff is available to this family to ensure they have access to the support they deserve as this case moves forward,” District Attorney Hayden said.

Herbert is represented by Kelly Cusack.  The next court date will take place on April 5, 2022, in the Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court.

          James Borghesani, Chief of Communications

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 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.