TOPSFIELD — A Topsfield man accused of striking his elderly mother when she refused to drive him to the pharmacy has been indicted on a charge of manslaughter.
An Essex County grand jury yesterday indicted Robert Friberg, 44, who lived with his mother at 44 Great Hill Drive. Priscilla Friberg, 72, died from an aortic aneurysm at Boston Medical Center on March 21, a day after police say she was hit by her son.
Police say Friberg became angry when his mother refused to drive him to the pharmacy. When she tried to call police, her son ripped the phone away and hit her in the arm, according to court documents. She ran to a neighbor's home for help.
The victim refused an ambulance at first, but her condition quickly deteriorated. She was taken by Lyons Ambulance to Beverly Hospital, then by helicopter to Boston Medical Center.
In addition to manslaughter, Robert Friberg is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a victim 60 or older, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and intimidation of a witness.
Essex County District Attorney's Office spokesman Steve O'Connell said Friberg will be arraigned in Salem Superior Court in the next two to three weeks. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melissa Woodard.
O'Connell said Friberg was being represented by attorney Nicole Reilly of Hamilton. Reilly could not be reached for comment.
Friberg is being held at Middleton Jail.
Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or by e-mail at pleighton@salemnews.com.
