by Boston — A dispute over a misdelivered Amazon package escalated into a violent assault in Dorchester last month, leaving a 77-year-old man hospitalized with serious injuries and prompting prosecutors to pursue multiple felony charges against a younger neighbor.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, 29-year-old Khalil Muhammad is accused of brutally attacking the elderly man after the victim attempted to retrieve a package that had been mistakenly delivered to Muhammad’s apartment. The incident occurred on Cummins Highway and ended with the victim suffering facial fractures, a concussion, and swelling so severe his eyes were nearly shut.
Muhammad is currently being held in custody following his arrest on December 22, with prosecutors citing both the severity of the alleged assault and his extensive criminal history.
Confrontation Turns Violent
Court records indicate the incident began when the elderly victim went to Muhammad’s apartment to ask about an Amazon package that had been incorrectly delivered. Investigators say the encounter quickly turned hostile.
Police reports state that Muhammad allegedly punched the victim in the face during the confrontation and then stole the man’s Motorola cellphone. When the victim attempted to flee back to his apartment, prosecutors allege Muhammad followed him upstairs and continued the assault.
Responding officers later found the victim badly beaten, with visible facial injuries and unable to clearly answer questions.
“Officers found the victim with his eyes swollen shut, a bleeding cut under one eye, and in significant distress,” the district attorney’s office said in a statement.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Neighbor Calls 911 as Victim Seeks Help
The attack only stopped after the elderly man managed to reach another neighbor’s apartment. Rhonda McElroy, who lives in the building, called 911 after seeing the victim’s condition.
“He was bad,” McElroy told local media. “His whole face was swollen. His eyes were basically shut.”
She later learned from the victim’s family that he had suffered a concussion, bleeding behind his eyes, and fractured facial bones, injuries consistent with a prolonged physical assault.
Investigators say the cellphone taken during the attack was not recovered at the scene.
Charges and Criminal History
Prosecutors have charged Muhammad with assault and battery on a person over 60 and unarmed robbery, both serious offenses under Massachusetts law that carry enhanced penalties due to the victim’s age.
According to court documents, Muhammad has a lengthy criminal record spanning both Massachusetts and New York, with violent offenses dating back to 2015.
At the time of his arrest in this case, Muhammad already had an open criminal case in East Boston, where he was facing charges including:
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Assault and battery on a police officer
- Resisting arrest
- Possession of Class B narcotics
In addition, prosecutors said Muhammad was on probation in two separate cases when the alleged assault occurred.
Bail Revoked, Detained Ahead of Court Date
Following his arraignment in Boston Municipal Court for the Cummins Highway incident, the judge revoked Muhammad’s bail in the pending East Boston case.
He was ordered held on a detention detainer related to both probation violations and remains in custody. His next scheduled court appearance is set for January 22.
Prosecutors emphasized that the decision to revoke bail was based on the violent nature of the allegations and the defendant’s history of repeated offenses while under court supervision.
Prosecutors Condemn Alleged Attack
In a statement addressing the case, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden condemned the alleged violence and stressed the seriousness of crimes involving elderly victims.
“We take all assaults seriously,” Hayden said, “and the facts present here — an elderly victim suffering considerable injuries after being subjected to an extended attack — are particularly egregious.”
Hayden also criticized the escalation of what began as a minor dispute.
“Turning a misdelivered package into such violence is intolerable,” he added.
Investigation Continues
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges could be filed pending further review of medical records and witness statements.
Meanwhile, the victim continues to recover from his injuries, with family members expressing shock that a routine attempt to retrieve a package could end in such trauma.
The incident has raised concerns among residents about safety in shared apartment buildings and the risks of confrontations over everyday disputes.
What are your thoughts on how quickly minor conflicts can escalate into violence? Share your perspective in the comments below.
