Museum of Fine ArtsPhoto: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A man accused in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Boston art collector and his dog in the Back Bay over the weekend has pleaded not guilty.
William Haney, 42, was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on Monday. He has been charged with murder and animal cruelty. Authorities said Haney intentionally hit John Axelrod, a 79-year-old philanthropist and art collector, with his car while Axelrod was walking his dog.
A judge ordered Haney held without bail. He is being taken to Bridgewater State Hospital for a competency evaluation. Haney's attorney said he suffers from schizophrenia and other mental health problems, according to CBS News Boston. Haney's next court date is scheduled for Jan. 23.
In a statement provided to CBS News Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts said Axelrod "has been a part of the MFA family since the 1980s. His legacy will live on at the Museum through the John Axelrod Collection."