Male Victim Identified in Malden Murder

MALDEN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden Chief of Police Kevin Molis have identified the victim of Sunday’s fatal attack in Malden as Brian McDonald, 34 of Malden.

On August 15, 2021, at approximately 10:06 p.m., Malden Police responded to the area of Presley Street for a report of an injured person. Upon arrival, officers located Mr. McDonald on the sidewalk in front of the residence suffering from multiple sharp force injuries. The preliminary investigation suggests that Brian McDonald and Joshua Roush, 43, who were roommates, were arguing when Joshua Roush, armed with a weapon, attacked Mr. McDonald. Malden officers located the suspect inside the residence and placed him under arrest after extensive communication. A search warrant was executed and detectives were able to recover multiple swords and other items from Mr. Roush’s bedroom.

On August 16, 2021, Joshua Roush was arraigned on the charge of murder. Judge Emily Karstetter ordered the defendant to be held without bail. The next date on this case is September 29, 2021.

This investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police assigned to that office, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene and Criminalistics and the Malden Police Department.