Peabody Woman Arraigned in Lynnfield Assault

LYNNFIELD, MA - A Peabody woman was arraigned Tuesday in Peabody District Court on charges in connection with a disturbance that preceded a house fire at a home in Lynnfield on Friday evening, according to the Essex County District Attorney's office.

Christine Hebert, 49, is charged with assault and battery, threats, and malicious destruction of property following an argument with her boyfriend, prosecutors said. Essex Assistant District Attorney Lynsey Legier told the court that Lynnfield Police responded to 844 Main Street at 9:49 pm on a report of an unwanted party. When they arrived they heard shouting, specifically the defendant threatening to kill the victim, and observed a physical struggle between the defendant and the victim, prosecutors said. The victim also reported that the defendant had slashed his car tires, prosecutors said.

Judge James D. Barretto ordered her held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday, June 3rd and she was detained on a probation violation in a prior case. A plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf.

A short time later and after the defendant was taken into custody, a house fire at 844 Main Street was reported to Lynnfield Fire Department, according to prosecutors. The Office of the State Fire Marshall has determined that the fire was intentionally set and is currently investigating it with Lynnfield Police and Fire, according to prosecutors. No one has been charged at this time.

The defendant is represented by Attorney Kenneth Shea and is presumed innocent until proven guilty, prosecutors said.