Five face charges in Feb. 1 assault, kidnapping incident in Athol

Staff Report

Published: 02-16-2023 7:30 PM

ATHOL — Five people are scheduled for arraignment in Orange District Court on Friday in connection with a violent assault in which two people were held against their will for four hours in a house in Athol, according to the Northwestern Assistant District Attorney’s Office.

One of the victims of the alleged Feb. 1 assault reported the incident to Athol Police the following day. In the ensuing investigation, five people were arrested in connection with the incident and the following suspects are due in court Friday for arraignment:

■ Franklin Payne, 46, of Athol, on charges of armed robbery, assault to maim, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and conspiracy.

■April Mccassie, 41, of Athol, on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear, assault and battery, and conspiracy.

■Brian Chamberland, 38, of Athol, on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear, assault and battery, and conspiracy.

■James Murphy, 30, of Athol on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing by confining or putting in fear and assault and battery.

■Marlene Hill, 44, of Orange on charges of kidnapping, unarmed robbery, breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny in a building and conspiracy.

Athol Police worked with State Police detectives assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office on the investigation. Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Joseph Webber will be handling the cases.

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