Boston attorney viciously stabbed to death on houseboat while body of his dog found floating water nearby

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A Boston lawyer was found violently hacked to death on his houseboat over the weekend — while the body of one of his dogs was found floating in the water nearby.

Joseph Donohue, 65, was found Sunday with dozens of stabbed wounds riddled across his torso and head after police went to his Charlestown houseboat for a welfare check.

The attack was so vicious that the knife blade that killed him had snapped off and lodged in his skull, according to WCVB. The rest of the weapon was recovered from the water by divers.

Donohue was also wrapped and duct-taped into a rug and blanket, while dumbbells had been tied around him.

Police had been called to the houseboat, where Donohue lived alone with his two dogs, after his son hadn’t heard from him for days, according to People. After discovering the body, they arrested 24-year-old Nora Nelson at the scene over unrelated warrants.

Nelson was reportedly the only person on the scene when police arrived.

She was charged with his murder on Thursday. It is unclear what relationship the two may have had, if any.

It is also unclear how the dog was killed or where his other pet is.

Nelson has a previous arrest from 2023 for allegedly assaulting her ex-boyfriend in a dispute, according to CBS News.

Donohue’s loved ones remembered him as a dear friend and family member.

“Our family is heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. Joe was a wonderful family member, a cherished friend, and a trusted colleague,” they said in a statement.

“Always generous and kind, he dedicated his life and career to helping others. He is loved and will be deeply missed.”