Brother of Nancy Kerrigan is Charged with Massachusetts Assault in Death of Their Father

Mark Kerrigan, the brother of Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, has been charged with assaulting their father Daniel Kerrigan. The 70-year-old was found unresponsive on Sunday morning in his Stoneham residence following an argument between the two men. He died later that day.

Mark, 45, has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him. The unemployed plumber is an Army veteran who continues to undergo Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
According to police, Mark told them his father wouldn’t let him use the phone and the two men became involved in a physical altercation. He says that after placing his arms around his dad’s neck, Daniel fell to the ground.

Police who arrived at the Kerrigan home say that Daniel was lying on the ground but alive. They claim that Mark appeared intoxicated and was “belligerent.” The officers found whiskey bottles in the basement. He was arrested on charges of Massachusetts assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Mark has not be charged with Massachusetts murder. Autopsy results to determine is cause of death are still pending. The criminal defense lawyer appointed to defend Mark says his client is grieving over his father.

The Kerrigan family has been in the media spotlight before. Nancy Kerrigan is a former Olympic figure skating champion who won a silver medal at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer. In 1994, she was assaulted in a plot by rival Tonya Harding, who she would go on to compete against and defeat in Norway.

Allegations of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon are serious criminal charges.

Nancy Kerrigan’s brother pleads not guilty to assault charge, Los Angeles Times, January 25, 2010
Nancy Kerrigan’s father dies; brother charged in attack, Boston.com, January 25, 2010

Related Web Resources:
National Center for PTSD

The Nancy Kerrigan Biography, Biography.com
It is so important that you speak with an experienced Boston assault and battery attorney about your legal options.

Contact Information