Crime

Man’s death on Charlestown houseboat ruled a homicide, victim identified

A 24-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on unrelated warrants.

Joe Donohue Courtesy of the Donohue family

February 5, 2025

1 minute to read

Authorities on Wednesday identified a man who was found dead earlier this week on a houseboat in Charlestown.

Joseph Donohue, 65, died from multiple stab wounds and his death has been ruled a homicide, Boston police said in a statement.

Officers responded around 10:43 p.m. Sunday to Shipway Place in Charlestown to investigate an incident aboard a houseboat. At the scene, they found Donohue “non-viable.”

A 24-year-old woman, Nora Nelson, was arrested at the scene on unrelated warrants.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office said on Wednesday that Nelson is now considered a “person of interest” in Donohue’s murder. She has not been charged in his death.

According to court records, Nelson was arraigned on Tuesday on three charges — assault with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, threat to commit a crime, and destruction of property — that date back to 2023 and early 2024. She will return to court for those charges on March 3.

In a statement, Donohue’s family said they are “heartbroken by this unimaginable loss.”

“Joe was a wonderful family member, a cherished friend, and a trusted colleague,” the statement read. “Always generous and kind, he dedicated his life and career to helping others. He is loved and will be deeply missed. We’re grateful for the love and support we’ve received, and we kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time.”