Son Charged in Judge’s Beating

The brutal attack on a justice on the New Hampshire Supreme Court occurred in his bedroom in the middle of the night, and he said he could not recognize his assailant. But on Sunday, police arrested the justice’s son.

The beating of Justice John Broderick caused such extensive injuries to his face that a top state official could not recognize him.

Broderick, 54, was listed in serious but stable condition Sunday, a day after he underwent surgery to repair broken bones and cuts on his face and head.

Early Sunday, police arrested John Christian Broderick, 30, and charged him with assault.

“The strength and compassion of our friends and our faith will sustain us through this tragedy,” the family said in a statement Sunday.

The younger Broderick had been living at his parents’ condo and police found him there when they responded to a 911 call from his mother at 2:20 a.m. Saturday, Assistant Atty. Gen. William Delker said.

He was released from a Manchester hospital Sunday and sent to the Hillsborough County Jail, where he was being held on $100,000 bail. Delker would not comment on why he was hospitalized or if he had a lawyer.

Delker also said he couldn’t comment on what might have prompted the attack.

In October 2000, Broderick was charged with slapping his son, according to court records.

Broderick blamed the altercation on his son’s drinking. John Christian Broderick had been living with his parents for two months.

Delker said it appeared that Broderick was asleep when he was attacked, and he told investigators he did not see his attacker.

Atty. Gen. Philip McLaughlin said the injuries were so severe that he could not recognize the judge.