A Massachusetts man is facing manslaughter charges following a Thanksgiving Day argument with his roommate that turned deadly. The dispute allegedly arose from the roommate's proximity to food being prepared for the holiday meal.

65-year-old Richard Lombardi was arraigned in Plymouth District Court, pleading not guilty to charges of assault and battery on a person over 60 causing serious injury, and involuntary manslaughter. The victim, 80-year-old Frank Griswold, was pronounced dead at South Shore Hospital on Wednesday night.

According to court documents, Lombardi claimed he was preparing the Thanksgiving meal when an argument broke out with Griswold over his closeness to the food. Lombardi expressed concern about Griswold, who he said “often sneezes,” potentially contaminating the meal. Later, Lombardi reportedly found Griswold near the sink and the food. He admitted to grabbing Griswold from behind and throwing him aside, claiming Griswold's feet became entangled, leading to a fall where he struck his head on the floor.

The prosecution, however, presented a slightly different account. Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Presley stated that Lombardi saw Griswold near the food, grabbed him from behind, and “tossed him to the side.” Griswold was later found lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen with injuries to his head and face.

Lombardi's defense attorney, Marshall Johnson, argued that the incident appeared accidental based on the evidence presented in court. He emphasized the long-standing friendship between Lombardi and Griswold, who had been roommates for over two decades, and noted Lombardi’s devastation upon learning of Griswold's death.

Lombardi is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on December 4th.