Taunton mayor's husband calls police during domestic argument. What we know

Charles Winokoor, The Taunton Daily Gazette
·2 min read
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TAUNTON — Mayor Shaunna O’Connell has issued a statement following a domestic incident with her husband Ted O’Connell that resulted in a police response.

“Ted and I have been married for 27 years. Like all couples we have had challenges,” O’Connell’s statement reads.

“We’ve been working through marital issues,” the statement continues. “During an argument, Ted involved the police and regrets making that decision.

“We ask for privacy for our family on personal matters as we work through this matter.”

The mayor’s statement was issued by her longtime campaign strategy advisor Holly Robichaud.

Police had not responded as of Saturday afternoon to requests for more information about the incident.

From left Riley, Ted, Mayor Shaunna and Ashton O’Connell having fun at the inaugural ball. Mar 23, 2024 Taunton Gazette | Mike Gay
From left Riley, Ted, Mayor Shaunna and Ashton O’Connell having fun at the inaugural ball. Mar 23, 2024 Taunton Gazette | Mike Gay

Who is Shaunna O'Connell? Women Making History:Shaunna O'Connell

How long has Shaunna O'Connell been mayor?

O’Connell, 54, is serving her third two-year term as Taunton’s mayor. She was elected in 2019 following then-mayor Thomas Hoye’s appointment as Bristol County Register of Probate.

Prior to her becoming mayor, O’Connell, a Republican, served five terms from 2011 to 2020 in the Massachusetts State House as the 3rd Bristol district’s state representative.

O’Connell and her husband have two daughters. The younger of the two, Riley, was 18 in June of 2023 when she went missing for five days from the Evoke Wellness addiction and mental-health treatment center in Hilliard, Ohio.

During that time her parents issued pleas for information from the public as to her whereabouts and traveled to Ohio to help search for their daughter.

Police in nearby Columbus found Riley alone and unharmed reportedly wandering around in their city. She eventually moved back to Taunton to live with her parents.

If you or someone you know needs help regarding domestic abuse or violence, call New Hope Inc.’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-323-HOPE.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Police called during argument between Taunton mayor and her husband