A Malden man was sentenced to life in prison last week. kill your roommate with a samurai sword after a screaming match in their shared apartment.

Joshua Roush, 46, was found guilty of first-degree murder following a seven-day trial earlier this month, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin said in a statement. joint statement. Judge Cathleen Campbell sentenced Roush to life in prison without eligibility for parole for the 2021 murder of 34-year-old Brian McDonald.

According to authorities, Malden police responded to a Presley Street apartment on Aug. 15, 2021, for a report of a man bleeding after a possible fight. When officers arrived at the scene, they found McDonald. lying on the sidewalk Ryan and Cronin said there were “obvious and serious injuries.” McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to authorities, McDonald and Roush had gotten into a loud verbal argument inside their apartment, and the argument turned violent when Roush began attacking his roommate with a samurai sword. Ryan and Cronin said McDonald tried to flee the apartment but only made it as far as the sidewalk.

Neighbors told police they heard yelling and banging coming from the apartment before seeing McDonald crawling outside, bleeding from his injuries, according to authorities. Inside the apartment, officers reportedly found a bloody samurai sword, blood splattered throughout several rooms, and blood on Roush’s hands, clothing, and shoes.

Roush’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. Previous defense motions seeking funding for neuro-psychological evaluations showed Roush had a “history of head trauma, substance abuse, and traumatic experiences.”

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Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transportation, crime, healthcare and everything in between.

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