Contact:
Kelly A. Nantel, 508-422-3355
Diane Wiffin, 508-422-3317
August 28, 2004
Statement from Commissioner Kathleen M. Dennehy regarding the death of patient William Mosher at the Bridgewater State Hospital
This morning, August 28, 2004 at approximately 11:49am in the Max II unit at the Bridgewater State Hospital a patient reported to the Correction Officer working in his unit that there was a "dead inmate" in his room. Staff immediately reported to that room and found a patient by the name of William Mosher on the floor, unconscious. At the time he was found, there was what appeared to be a ligature wrapped around his neck. A code 99 medical emergency was called and the town of Bridgewater's Fire and Ambulance reported to the facility, and patient Mosher was transported to Brockton Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:41pm .
The patient's next of kin were notified of his death and pursuant to Department of Correction policy, the Plymouth County District Attorney and the Massachusetts State Police were notified as well. The facility is currently locked down and State Police and staff from the District Attorney's Office are on site conducting an investigation into this apparent homicide.
The deceased, William Mosher, was 32 years old; his date of birth was January 1, 1972 . He was committed to Bridgewater State Hospital on July 24, 2004 under Chapter 123, Section 18A from Middlesex County where he had been awaiting trial on charges of trafficking in Oxycontin.
The focus of Mr. Mosher's death is a 29 year old patient who was committed to the Bridgewater State Hospital for a competency evaluation under Chapter 123, Section 15B from Brighton District Court on August 9th of this year where he had been charged with assault and battery on a person over age 60 with injury, assault with intent to rob and threatening. He also has warrants issued from Brookline District Court for attempted murder, kidnapping and assault and battery which are outstanding.
The Bridgewater State Hospital is a unique facility with a dual mission as a psychiatric hospital and a correctional facility. The staff at Bridgewater State Hospital handled this difficult situation quickly and professionally, and they have worked hard all day to maintain a calm climate for the rest of the patient population.