Braintree School Nurse Fatally Shot Outside Her Home

BRAINTREE, MA — A longtime Braintree school nurse was shot and killed outside her home on Howie Road Wednesday, according to authorities.

Police were called to the house around noon and found Laurie Melchionda, 59, suffering from several gunshot wounds, officials said. Melchionda was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth and pronounced dead.

When police arrived, they found Robert Bonang, 61, of Marshfield, near the front entrance of Melchionda's home and took him into custody, the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said. Bonang is expected to be arraigned Thursday on murder and firearm charges in Quincy District Court.

District Attorney Michael Morrissey told WCVB Bonang used to live in the neighborhood.

"It is believed that this is a targeted event, it's not a random act and this is not something that the neighbors should have to worry about," Morrissey told WCVB.

Melchionda served as a nurse with Braintree Public Schools from 1997 until June 2018, when she left to become the director of health services in Weston. She worked at Flaherty Elementary School in Braintree.

Melchionda served on the Board of Health since October 2016. Town officials said she was a positive influence in the community.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Laurie Melchionda," Mayor Charles Kokoros said. "She was a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew her, myself included. I know I speak for Superintendent Hackett and the School Committee when I say that Laurie dedicated her life to helping others and her kindness and love will be sorely missed."

"The Braintree Board of Health, Braintree Health Department and the Town of Braintree have lost a wonderful public health official and good friend today," added Marybeth McGrath, the town's health director. "Laurie was a true champion and advocate of public and environmental health and was incredibly devoted to the positive health and well-being of the residents of our community."