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Husband of stabbed psychiatrist thanks guard who shot her assailant

E-mail|Link|Comments () November 3, 2009 05:15 PM

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

The husband of the Massachusetts General Hospital psychiatrist who was stabbed last week in a medical office building has publicly thanked the security guard who fatally shot her assailant, saying that the guard had saved his wife's life.

Claude Desrosiers is married to Astrid Desrosiers, who, authorities say, was attacked Tuesday by her bipolar clinic patient, Jay Carciero, 37, of Reading. Carciero was shot to death by off-duty security guard Paul Langone.

"My deepest appreciation goes to the gentleman who had the courage to go into the room to help my wife during the attack. He saved her life. My family and I will forever be grateful to him for stepping forward and doing what he was trained to do in the midst of a horrible situation," Claude Desrosiers said today in a statement.

Desrosiers also thanked the "thousands of people who have been praying for my wife," saying "the outpouring of support from so many has been truly remarkable and comforting, and it has helped our family get through this difficult time."

He also thanked his wife's colleagues and friends, the medical team at Massachusetts General Hospital that has been caring for his wife, and Boston police and hospital security officials.

At the end of his statement, he addressed the Carciero family. "Finally, I want to say to the family who lost their loved one in this incident that I hope they can be strong. I know this is a painful and difficult time, and they are in our prayers," he said.

Prosecutors said last week that, based on a preliminary investigation, Langone's shooting of Carciero was justified. Langone, 33, who is also a resident of Reading but did not know Carciero, has said he just did what anyone would have done.

Astrid Desrosiers remains in serious condition at the hospital. Investigators have only had a limited opportunity to speak with her, but plan to interview her more extensively later. The investigation continues into Carciero's death, the Suffolk district attorney's office said today.