Full Breakdown
Hopkinton Resident Charged with Attempted Murder After Lake Maspenock Altercation
6/6/2026, 11:39:41 PM
The Altercation at Sandy Beach
On Wednesday, June 3 2026, at approximately 6:55 p.m., a confrontation occurred at Sandy Beach on Lake Maspenock in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Steven Dana, 70, a local resident, approached a group of younger men who were jet-skiing from a boat ramp. Matthew Duffy, 21, who was using crutches after a severe motorcycle accident, was singled out. Video evidence shows Dana slapping Duffy, pushing him into the water, and holding Duffy’s head underwater for roughly ten seconds before bystanders intervened and pulled Dana off. Both men declined medical treatment at the scene.
Lake Access Rules and Prior Tensions
Lake Maspenock straddles Hopkinton and Milford, but the sole boat ramp on Lakeshore Drive is reserved for Hopkinton residents from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Police reports indicate Dana objected to Duffy’s use of the ramp, describing the incident as “senseless violence” that stemmed from a dispute over the lake’s residency-only policy.
Parties Involved
- Steven Dana – 70-year-old Hopkinton resident, also identified as Stephen Dion in court documents.
- Matthew Duffy – 21-year-old Milford resident, injured in a March motorcycle crash, using crutches.
- Scott van Raalten – Deputy Police Chief, Hopkinton Police Department.
- Michael Callahan – Judge, Framingham District Court.
- David Grimaldi – Defense attorney for Dana.
- Benjamin Osmanovic – Witness who recorded the video.
Legal Charges and Bail
Dana was arraigned in Framingham District Court on charges of attempted murder, two counts of strangulation/suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person. He entered a not-guilty plea. After a dangerousness hearing, Judge Callahan set bail at $7,500 cash, ordered Dana to stay away from Sandy Beach, to have no contact with the victim or witnesses, and to refrain from possessing firearms or dangerous weapons. A probable-cause hearing is scheduled for July 13 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Chief van Raalten described the event as “an incident of senseless violence that could have had tragic results” and urged residents to let authorities enforce lake bylaws. The Hopkinton Police Department emphasized that the investigation relied on video footage and eyewitness accounts. Judge Callahan noted that Dana was not deemed a danger to the public, allowing his release under the stipulated conditions.
Criticism & Opposition
Victim Matthew Duffy expressed alarm at the bail decision, calling the outcome “insane” and stating he feared for his life during the struggle. His statements highlighted the physical vulnerability caused by his prior injuries. Defense attorney Grimaldi contested the severity of the charges, asserting that Dana has no recent criminal record and was provoked by the younger men.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early reports from the Boston Herald claimed Dana possessed an extensive criminal history; later statements from Hopkinton officials corrected this, indicating no such record. Initial coverage suggested Dana was held without bail, while subsequent updates confirmed his release on $7,500 bail. No medical examinations were performed on either party, leaving the extent of injuries undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is an incident of senseless violence that could have had tragic results, and we treat matters like this with the utmost seriousness,” — Scott van Raalten, Deputy Police Chief
- “I WAS SO SCARED FOR MY LIFE BECAUSE I CAN’T FIGHT BACK.” — Matthew Duffy, victim
- “I'm fuming that he's out now. This is insane. He just tried killing me two days ago, and then it's like, apparently you can just pay bond, and it's wiped clean,” — Matthew Duffy, victim
- “I don't care, I'll take a cripple.” — Steven Dana, alleged statement (police report)
What’s Next
Dana’s case will proceed to a probable-cause hearing on July 13 2026, after which a trial date may be set. The Hopkinton Police Department continues to review lake-access enforcement policies, and community leaders have indicated a review of signage and resident education to prevent similar confrontations.
