Back Bay, Boston, January 5, 2026
William Haney, 42, has been charged with murder and animal cruelty following a hit-and-run incident in Boston’s Back Bay that resulted in the deaths of prominent art collector John Axelrod and his dog. The incident occurred when a vehicle intentionally struck Axelrod while he was walking his dog, prompting extensive police investigation that led to Haney’s identification as the driver. He is expected to be arraigned shortly.
Boston
Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Boston Hit-and-Run of Art Collector John Axelrod and Dog
A 42-year-old man, William Haney, has been charged with murder and animal cruelty following a hit-and-run incident in Boston’s Back Bay on Saturday that resulted in the deaths of prominent art collector John Axelrod, 79, and his dog. Police have stated that the act was intentional.
Details of the Incident and Charges
The incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 8:09 a.m., at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Hereford Street. Mr. Axelrod was reportedly walking his dog on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall when a vehicle allegedly entered the mall, struck them, and then fled the scene. Mr. Axelrod was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased, as was his dog.
Following an investigation by the Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit, in coordination with the Brookline Police Department and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, William Haney, 42, of Boston, was identified as the driver. The unoccupied vehicle involved in the incident was located in nearby Brookline. Mr. Haney subsequently turned himself in to Brookline Police. He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Monday, January 5, 2026.
A Legacy in Art: John Axelrod’s Contributions to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The passing of John Axelrod marks the loss of a significant figure in Boston’s cultural landscape. Mr. Axelrod was widely recognized as a prominent art collector and a longtime, generous donor to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston.
His enduring connection to the MFA began in the 1980s. Over the decades, Mr. Axelrod’s philanthropic spirit led him to contribute nearly 700 works to the Museum. These contributions included several collections of 20th-century European decorative arts, notably a substantial collection of American Modern design from the 1920s and ’30s, and a significant acquisition of works by African American artists.
In tribute to his profound impact, the John Axelrod Gallery, featuring American Modern design, was named in his honor in the Art of the Americas Wing in 2009. His legacy at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will continue to be honored through the John Axelrod Collection, which is considered a transformative acquisition. This collection has significantly enhanced the MFA’s American holdings, establishing it as a leading repository for paintings and sculpture by African American artists, including works by figures such as Archibald Motley, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Kerry James Marshall. Beyond artworks, Mr. Axelrod also donated his extensive research library on African American artists to the Museum, along with funds to support scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in Boston’s Back Bay?
- A hit-and-run incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Boston’s Back Bay at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Hereford Street, resulting in the deaths of prominent art collector John Axelrod, 79, and his dog.
- Who has been charged in connection with the incident?
- William Haney, 42, has been charged with murder and animal cruelty in connection with the hit-and-run.
- Was the hit-and-run intentional?
- Police have stated that the act was intentional.
- When is the suspect’s arraignment?
- William Haney is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Monday, January 5, 2026.
- Who was John Axelrod?
- John Axelrod was a 79-year-old prominent art collector and a longtime, generous donor to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston.
- What is John Axelrod’s legacy at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston?
- John Axelrod’s legacy includes contributing nearly 700 works to the Museum, the establishment of the John Axelrod Gallery in his honor, and the transformative John Axelrod Collection, which has significantly enhanced the MFA’s American holdings.
Key Features of the Incident and Legacy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Victim | John Axelrod, 79-year-old prominent art collector, and his dog. |
| Suspect | William Haney, 42. |
| Charges | Murder and animal cruelty. |
| Location of Incident | Commonwealth Avenue and Hereford Street, Back Bay, Boston. |
| Date of Incident | Saturday, January 3, 2026. |
| Nature of Act | Police stated the act was intentional. |
| John Axelrod’s MFA Legacy | Longtime donor to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, since the 1980s. Contributions include nearly 700 works and the transformative John Axelrod Collection. The John Axelrod Gallery was named in his honor in 2009. |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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