A Massachusetts man, Andrew Horsman, is facing murder charges after allegedly stabbing his mother’s partner 17 times during a heated argument over dinner steaks.

Authorities say 41-year-old Horsman lost control Saturday evening during a family meal at the home he shared with his mother and the victim, 66-year-old Paul Pomerleau. According to prosecutors, Horsman repeatedly stabbed Pomerleau and then doused his body with lighter fluid. However, he was stopped before setting it aflame.

Pomerleau was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries within the hour, Middleborough Police confirmed.

At Monday’s arraignment, prosecutor Nicole Piacentini Lawson described the attack as a brutal and deliberate act. But Horsman’s attorney, Joshua Wood, argued the stabbing was a breaking point after years of alleged domestic tension.

“This wasn’t a random act of violence,” Wood said. “There’s a long and complicated history.” Tensions reportedly ran high in the household, with Pomerleau criticizing Horsman for being unemployed and dependent on his mother.

Despite the shocking violence, neighbors expressed disbelief. “I’ve known him 30 years. He was like a gentle giant,” longtime neighbor Jeff Burr told WBZ-TV.

The details of the steak argument remain unclear, as does the full extent of Pomerleau’s relationship with Andrew Horsman’s mother. According to family, Pomerleau had helped raise Horsman.

Horsman pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail. His next court appearance is set for July 28.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?