Peabody Man Arraigned on Murder; Victim's 5-Year-Old Granddaughter Home

Brandon Hoar, 59, of Peabody, was arraigned for first-degree murder on Tuesday afternoon in Peabody District Court, in connection with the stabbing death of his longtime girlfriend Cheryl Young, 55, in their home at 1 Gates Road, according to the Essex District Attorney’s office.

Peabody Man Charged in Connection With Stabbing Death

Essex Assistant District Attorney Christina Ronan told the court that Peabody Police responded to 1 Gates Road at approximately 8:30 this morning. The defendant was sitting on the front steps of the home and he told police that he had stabbed his girlfriend. Police found the victim on the living room couch. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s 5-year old granddaughter was also in the home.

Hoar allegedly told police that he stabbed his longtime girlfriend Cheryl Young, 55, while trying to protect Young’s 5-year-old granddaughter as the woman was yelling at the girl on Monday afternoon, according to The Salem News. She was safely removed from the home and is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families, according to the DA’s office.

“This is shocking tragedy for the family, and particularly for the young child,” Peabody Police Chief Tom Griffin said. “Our department will continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office to bring this case to a successful conclusion.”

Judge Richard Mori ordered the defendant held without bail without prejudice. The defendant will return to court on July 16, for a Probable Cause Hearing.