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Woman named person of interest after man found dead on Charlestown houseboat

Woman considered person of interest in Charlestown suspicious death
Woman considered person of interest in Charlestown suspicious death 02:08

BOSTON – Prosecutors say Nora Nelson, a woman arrested on a houseboat in Charlestown, is considered a person of interest following a man's death.

A man in his 60s was found dead on board the boat late Sunday night. 

The man's son went to check on him, and found his body. Sources told the WBZ-TV I-Team that a dog was found dead in the water near the boat as well. Prosecutors say Nelson was the only person at the scene. 

Boston police officers, including members of the dive team, were back at the marina Tuesday collecting evidence and taking pictures.

Nora Nelson court appearance

Nelson, a 24-year-old who goes by Andi, has not been charged in direct connection to the man's death but was named as a person of interest during her arraignment on Tuesday. She was arrested Sunday for open warrants stemming from a case last year.

A defense attorney for Nelson said she is an intern at Harvard who is working on a tech product. The attorney said Nelson did not realize she was required to attend the hearing in her other case.

The judge set Nelson's bail at $7500, because he can't hold someone just for being a suspect.

Nelson's history

WBZ learned more about Nora Nelson's history. 

In September 2023, she had a domestic dispute with her then 63-year-old ex-boyfriend, who claimed she owed him $300,000. The next month she allegedly assaulted him and was arrested. 

In January 2024, she was sued for breaching a contract to purchase two condos in the seaport worth $6.2 million. 

In December 2024, she faced charges in Texas for giving false identification. 

In January 2025, at Nantasket Beach Hotel in Hull, Nelson allegedly wouldn't leave, became aggressive, and tried to use someone else's credit card. She has not been charged in that incident. 

Charlestown houseboat death

People who live in the marina told WBZ-TV the victim was an attorney. Police have not yet released the man's name.

One neighbor said the incident was unusual for Charlestown, calling the man's death "worrisome." 

"I don't know it's strange," a man at the marina said. "What would she be doing out here with an older attorney?"

An autopsy is expected to determine the cause of the man's death.

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