Shaunna O’Connell, the mayor of Taunton, Massachusetts, faces serious charges following a domestic dispute with her husband, Ted O’Connell. The altercation, which occurred on Friday evening, led to Shaunna allegedly biting Ted and hitting him with a crowbar. Despite the severity of the incident, Ted expressed regret for involving law enforcement.
Police responded to the couple’s home around 8:20 p.m. after Ted called 911. He reported that the argument, which stemmed from marital issues, had turned violent. The police report indicated that Ted had a visible bite mark on his forearm and multiple wounds on his knuckles, allegedly inflicted by Shaunna with a small crowbar. Ted later apologized publicly, stating, “I apologize for calling the police. I apologize to my wife and the people of Taunton. It was a huge mistake.”
Shaunna, who has been Taunton’s mayor since 2020 and previously served as a state lawmaker, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery. She denied knowing how her husband sustained his injuries and claimed he had been verbally abusive. Despite the charges, the couple appeared united, holding hands as they left the court. They issued a joint statement requesting privacy as they work through their marital problems.
The incident has drawn attention to the personal challenges public figures face and the complexities of domestic disputes. The police investigation continues, and the district attorney’s office will determine the next steps. The case underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence and supporting those involved in such disputes. The couple, married for over 25 years, emphasized their commitment to resolving their issues privately.