A Boston driver has been charged with murder after allegedly deliberately striking a prominent art collector and his dog in a hit-and-run incident. John Axelrod, a 79-year-old resident, was fatally injured while walking his dog, Tale, on the Commonwealth Avenue mall on a Saturday morning.
Incident Overview
On the day of the incident, Axelrod and Tale were walking near Hereford Street when the driver, identified as 42-year-old William Haney, struck them with his vehicle. According to police reports, Haney did not stop after the collision. Axelrod and his dog were both taken to a hospital, where they later died from their injuries.
Details of the Alleged Crime
- Location of Incident: Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston, MA
- Suspect: William Haney, 42, of Boston
- Victims: John Axelrod, 79, and his dog, Tale
- Date of Incident: Weekend of January 2025
Investigators later found Haney’s Toyota SUV abandoned in Brookline, Massachusetts. He turned himself in to local police shortly after the incident. During his arraignment on murder and animal cruelty charges, Haney pleaded not guilty.
Court Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluation
Following his arraignment, Haney was ordered to be held without bail. He has been sent for mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. His next court date is scheduled for January 23, 2025.
Witness Accounts
Prosecutor Ursula Knight provided details about Haney’s actions leading up to the incident. He was seen asking a bystander about a man in a red coat before allegedly driving onto the mall and colliding with Axelrod and Tale. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and the sound of the dog yelping.
After the crash, Haney visited a Dunkin’ Donuts, where he discarded the dog’s leash and attempted to repair the damage to his car at a nearby shop. When denied service, he left the vehicle parked at a different location before approaching police with his brother.
Background of William Haney
Haney’s attorney, Keith Halpern, disclosed that his client has a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia. Halpern mentioned that Haney had recently changed his medication, causing significant distress that blurred his perception of reality.
John Axelrod’s Legacy
John Axelrod was a respected art collector and benefactor of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. His contributions to the arts and advocacy for underrepresented artists were recognized by the museum, which stated that his legacy would continue through the John Axelrod Collection.
Friends and family expressed deep sorrow over his passing, emphasizing the profound impact he had on their lives. Middled Gonzalez, a close friend, reflected on the loss, stating that Axelrod’s absence will leave a significant void during family gatherings and special occasions.
Conclusion
The case remains under investigation, with Haney facing serious charges related to the tragic hit-and-run incident. As news develops, the community reflects on the life of John Axelrod and the legacy he leaves behind.
