January 7, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced that a Springfield man has been arraigned and held without the right to bail in connection with a fatal incident that occurred on Friday, January 2, 2026, on Shady Brook Lane.

Joseph Vaughan, 68, of Springfield, was arraigned Monday, January 5, in Springfield District Court on charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Vaughan was ordered held without the right to bail. His next court date is scheduled for January 26, 2026.

The victim has been identified as Robert Crane, 77, of Springfield.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 2, Springfield Police officers responded to the 100 block of Shady Brook Lane for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male pinned beneath a vehicle. The victim was freed and transported to Baystate Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Officers located the suspect nearby and placed him under arrest. Vaughan is presumed innocent of all allegations until proven guilty.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit under the direction of Captain Trent Duda, in conjunction with the Hampden District Attorney’s Murder Unit. The Springfield Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating the crash.

District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni extends his condolences to the victim’s family.