Nashua Man Accused Of Repeatedly Strangling Boy

NASHUA, NH — A Nashua man is facing a felony charge after an investigation into multiple choking incidents against a boy, according to police.

Around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, an officer was sent to the Fairground Middle School to assist with an investigation of a possible assault case. The Division of Children, Youth, and Family received a report from a Waypoint caseworker that a 13-year-old boy did not feel safe in his home and accused his mother’s roommate of choking him. The boy stated when they were alone, the roommate would often choke him, the report said. The boy demonstrated the process for the caseworkers and officers, accusing the man of grabbing his shirt and choking him. Often, the boy said, he had difficulty breathing and sometimes, would go to "sleep." The last time the choking occurred was on Monday, an affidavit stated.

The boy was taken to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center to complete a strangulation kit and for observation.

The roommate was later identified as Randy Hall, 47, of East Dunstable Road in Nashua.

The case was given to a detective who spoke with the boy’s mother about the situation and she confirmed Hall was her roommate and he watched her children occasionally when she was working, the report stated. She confirmed seeing him choke the boy — but “always thought it was in a joking manner” until Tuesday when the boy disclosed the issue to her, an affidavit stated. The detective also spoke with the boy about the incidents.

Later, Hall agreed to meet with the police. After waiving his Miranda Rights, “Randy admitted he had choked (the boy) five to six times since living with him,” an affidavit stated. He explained that sometimes, “this was a game,” while other times, “it was discipline,” the report stated. Hall was accused of admitting to choking the boy on Monday and then he “faked” passing out.

“Randy said he felt bad for choking (the boy) and said he wanted to tell him ‘sorry’,” the detective wrote. “Randy also said what he did was possibly a crime.”

Hall was then arrested and charged with felony second-degree assault and was arraigned on Thursday in Hillsborough County Superior Court South and released on bail.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Nashua Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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