Dog thrown across room, woman choked
Pittsfield, MA (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011
County: Berkshire

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Matthew C. Capitanio

A Pittsfield man who's accused of strangling his mother and throwing her dog across the room is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing in Central Berkshire District Court.

Matthew C. Capitanio, 21, of Linden Street, was arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and animal cruelty charges.

Capitanio was arrested by Pittsfield Police on Tuesday night after he pinned his mother, 39-year-old Kristy L. Capitanio, up against a couch in their home and choked her during an argument, according to a police report. The incident allegedly ensued because he was having to wait for the dinner his mother was preparing.

Pittsfield Police Officer Sean J. Klink stated in his report that he saw "large, red hand prints" on the victim's neck following their arrival. The mother had called police for help. She was transported to Berkshire Medical Center and treated for her injuries.

Police also charged Matthew Capitanio with animal cruelty for allegedly throwing his mother's 12-pound Jack Russell terrier across the room during the incident. He told police that his mother "is crazy and she called the cops."

He is scheduled to have a dangerousness hearing before Judge Fredric D. Rutberg on Friday morning. Depending on the outcome, he could be held for up to 90 days without bail and is scheduled to again appear in court July 28.

He is being represented by attorney Thomas J. Donohue Jr.

References

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