Boston is grieving the tragic loss of John Axelrod, a 79-year-old resident who was killed in a fatal hit-and-run while walking his dog along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The heartbreaking incident has shaken the South End and Back Bay communities, leaving residents saddened and searching for answers.
According to authorities, officers assigned to District D-4 responded at approximately 8:09 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to reports of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Hereford Street. Investigators say the vehicle entered the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, struck Mr. Axelrod as he walked his dog, and then fled the scene.
When officers arrived, Boston EMS was already providing emergency medical care on the Mall walkway. Mr. Axelrod was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Through investigative efforts, police obtained the vehicle’s registration information and broadcast a description. The Brookline Police Department later located the unoccupied vehicle in Brookline. Following a joint investigation by the Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit and the Brookline Police Department, in coordination with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, William Haney, 42, of Boston, was arrested and charged with Murder and Cruelty to Animals. He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The death of John Axelrod has left a deep void in the community. Neighbors describe him as a familiar and gentle presence, often seen walking his dog along the Mall. His loss has sparked an outpouring of sorrow and concern for safety in the area.
The Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit continues to actively investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and urges anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with investigators or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
For community members affected by this tragedy, the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team is offering free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support, as the city mourns a life lost in a senseless act.