Massachusetts – In a shocking case in Massachusetts, a 33-year-old man, identified as I. Atkinson, has been sentenced to two years in state prison after a violent encounter that began with a simple greeting. Judge M. Doolin, convicted Atkinson of assault and battery and assault with a dangerous weapon, following a distressing incident that left a woman severely injured after she did not respond to Atkinson’s greeting.
The altercation occurred on the morning of July 13, 2023, when the victim was gardening her plants outside her home. The events took a dark turn when Atkinson, passing by, expressed agitation that the woman did not return his greeting, reportedly saying, “When people say good morning to you, you should say hi you crazy b—-.” The situation escalated rapidly as Atkinson, unable to accept the lack of response, attacked the woman.
Prosecutors detailed that after the initial verbal assault, Atkinson entered his black Mercedes only to exit moments later, escalating the confrontation physically. He aggressively attacked the woman, punching her repeatedly in the face and then throwing her against a fence. The assault intensified when Atkinson returned to his vehicle and drove it toward her, narrowly missing her as he fled the scene.
When police arrived, they found the victim with a broken nose and bleeding extensively from her face. The immediate medical response was necessary to address her injuries, which included a broken nose, facial contusions, and a subconjunctival hemorrhage in her left eye, evidence of the brutal attack she endured. The victim’s quick thinking to record the incident on her cellphone played a pivotal role in the case. This digital evidence, combined with her courageous testimony, helped secure Atkinson’s conviction. The judge praised her for her bravery and presence of mind under such terrifying circumstances.
DA K. Hayden highlighted the senselessness of the violence, stating, “For this victim, a pleasant summer morning descended into a violent and cruel ordeal for the most inexplicable of reasons. But, even as she was being attacked, she had the presence of mind to record video, and that decision, along with her brave testimony, provided enough evidence for the judge to make his decision. I join all the members of the community in thanking this survivor for her courage.”
Atkinson’s defense argued that he was acting in self-defense as the victim was allegedly biting him. His attorney, J. Hightower, claimed Atkinson was defending himself against her aggressive actions, which purportedly included spraying him with a garden hose. However, the prosecution countered these claims effectively, pointing out the lack of any physical evidence supporting Atkinson’s narrative, such as water on the ground or on his clothing. Assistant DA M. Tomasini emphasized the unprovoked nature of the attack, stating, “He approaches her in a way that is entirely unprovoked and immediately attacks her. He broke her nose and other significant injuries. Her eye was also hemorrhaging.”
Following the trial, Atkinson was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by two years of probation, reflecting the severity of his actions and their impact on the victim and the community. This case has drawn attention to the unpredictable nature of public interactions and the profound effects of assault on victims. The community, while relieved at the justice served, remains shaken by the brutality of the assault that stemmed from a mere greeting.
