WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden Chief of Police Glenn Cronin have announced the conviction of Joshua Roush, 46, of Malden, for the 2021 murder of Brian McDonald, 34, also from Malden. After a seven-day trial at Middlesex Superior Court, Roush was found guilty of first-degree murder. Judge Cathleen Campbell sentenced him to life in state prison without the possibility of parole.
Incident Details
On August 15, 2021, Malden Police responded to a report of a man bleeding, possibly from a fight, on Presley Street. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Brian McDonald, lying on the sidewalk with severe injuries. Despite their efforts, McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing yelling and banging from inside the apartment before seeing McDonald crawl out onto the porch, bleeding. After lengthy negotiations with Roush, police entered the residence and discovered blood spatter in multiple rooms, along with a samurai sword that had blood on it. They also observed blood on Roush’s hands, clothes, and shoes.
The Altercation
It was revealed that McDonald and Roush, who were roommates, had engaged in a loud verbal argument that escalated into violence. Roush attacked McDonald with the samurai sword, leading to McDonald’s attempt to escape. Tragically, he was unable to survive his injuries after making it to the sidewalk.
Investigation and Prosecution
This case was thoroughly investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Malden Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors Megan McGovern and Ryan Rall handled the case, with Victim Witness Advocate Susie Marshall providing support throughout the proceedings.
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