Overview
- William R. Haney Jr., 42, was arraigned on charges of murder and animal cruelty and is being held without bail.
- Prosecutors allege Haney intentionally drove onto the Commonwealth Avenue Mall near Hereford Street, striking 79-year-old John Axelrod and his dog before fleeing.
- Investigators say Haney discarded the dog's leash at a Beacon Street Dunkin' Donuts, abandoned a damaged SUV in Brookline, and later went to the Brookline police station with his brother.
- A court clinician reported Haney showed signs of active psychiatric symptoms, and the defense cited a history of schizophrenia and recent medication changes.
- No motive has been publicly identified, and the next court date is set for Jan. 23 as the MFA honors Axelrod's legacy, including a gallery in his name and a collection of nearly 70 works by Black artists.