Boston Attorney Found Slain on His Houseboat, with His Dog Dead in the Water, as Woman Is Charged

Authorities in Boston have charged a woman with murder in connection with the death of an attorney found on a houseboat in a marina over the weekend. 

Joseph Donohue, 65, was found “non-viable” by officers in a marina on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 2, the Boston Police Department said in a statement. James Borghesani, a spokesperson with Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, tells PEOPLE police were responding to a welfare check requested by Donohue’s son, who grew concerned after he had not heard from his father for some time.

Police arrested 24-year-old Nora Nelson at the scene on unrelated warrants, but charged her with murder on Thursday. 

Donohue was stabbed multiple times, police confirm to PEOPLE. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

Law enforcement sources reportedly said Donohue’s dog was also found dead in the water, per Boston 25 and CBS News, but the nature and circumstances surrounding the dog’s death were not immediately clear. Boston police declined to comment to PEOPLE about this matter on Thursday.

Donohue was an attorney and divorced father of three, Borghesani tells PEOPLE. He “dedicated his life and career to helping others,” his family said in a statement to Boston 25.

“Our family is heartbroken by this unimaginable loss. Joe was a wonderful family member, a cherished friend, and a trusted colleague,” they said in the statement. “He is loved and will be deeply missed.”

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Citing the pending investigation, Boston police and the DA’s office declined to share any further information, such as who owns the boat or whether Nelson had any prior connection to the victim.

Nelson is set to be arraigned in court on Friday. PEOPLE was unable to reach a defense attorney for Nelson.