Accused North Adams Killer May Have Had Gambling Problem

A North Adams man walked into police headquarters and confessed to killing his own father, and now the Berkshire County District Attorney's office is trying to piece together why.

David Louis Boucher, 48, of 256 Walnut Street in North Adams, was arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court on one count of murder. He is accused of killing his father, David Allen Boucher, 67, who lived next door at 258 Walnut Street. The two addresses are part of the same multi-unit house.

According to prosecutors, on Monday, May 11th, at around 11:49 in the morning, David Louis Boucher walked into the North Adams Police Department and told officers he had killed his father. North Adams Police immediately contacted the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, and both agencies responded to the scene, where they discovered the victim inside his apartment.

Late Monday evening, investigators executed a search warrant for both units. Early evidence suggests David Louis Boucher physically assaulted his father inside the 258 Walnut Street apartment and stabbed him multiple times with a sharp object. Investigators also believe, based on the state of the body and statements from the defendant, that the killing happened approximately one week before the confession.

I asked Berkshire District Attorney if there was a known motive. Here is what he told me:

"We're just beginning the investigation, but we did receive some information regarding a gambling problem and taking money from his father and this may have led to the altercation. I'm not sure of that yet, but there is also some history of mental health with the defendant. We are only 48 hours into this and there is more information we have to get."

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body. The investigation involves the North Adams Police Department, the Berkshire State Police

Detective Unit, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory.

David Louis Boucher is being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 12th in Northern Berkshire District Court.