MA ex-husband indicted for arson, murder of ex-wife, assault and kidnapping of former mother-in-law

A Norfolk County Grand Jury Thursday indicted Brendon Owen, 47, of East Bridgewater, for the murder of his former wife, the assault and kidnapping on her mother, and arson of the women’s residence, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

Assistant District Attorneys Anne Yas and Tracey Cusick presented the case to the grand jury, which eventually issued eight indictments in the December attack: Murder; Armed Assault in a Dwelling; Armed Home Invasion; Kidnapping; Arson; Assault and Battery DW on a person over 60; Violation of Restraining Order (2 counts).

“Franklin Police and Firefighters were called to the home on Grace Lane at approximately 7:40 a.m. on December 17, arriving to find Shirley Owen inside the burning building, her mother obviously injured, and Brendon Owen in the house,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “Efforts to resuscitate Shirley Owen were not successful.”

Brendon Owen entered a plea of not guilty at his Wrentham District Court arraignment on charges of murder, home invasion, kidnapping, arson of a dwelling, and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury on December 17, District Attorney Morrissey said.

“Today’s indictments move this matter to Norfolk Superior Court where he will be arraigned again on the indictments in the coming weeks,” Morrissey said. “That date has not yet been arranged with defense attorney Neil Madden and the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.”

“The Franklin Police have been very constructive partners with the Massachusetts State Police homicide detectives assigned to my office and with Assistant District Attorneys Yas and Cusick as they presented this to the Grand Jury,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “I would remind anyone reading who may feel unsafe in their relationship that the Commonwealth’s 24-hours SafeLink domestic violence hotline is a resource available 24 hours a day for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. That toll-free number is 877-785-2020.”