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Mark Kerrigan's ex-wife: He became angry when he drank

E-mail|Link|Comments () February 10, 2010 08:10 AM

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By Globe Staff

Mark Kerrigan, who faces charges of assaulting his father last month and may face more serious charges in his father's subsequent death, was a violent man when he was drunk, his ex-wife told NBC-TV's Today Show today.

"Mark is a very angry man when he drinks. He gets very violent," Janet Kerrigan told interviewer Meredith Vieira.

Mark and Daniel Kerrigan are the brother and father, respectively, of Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Mark Kerrigan is facing charges of assault and battery on an elderly person after allegedly attacking his father on Jan. 24 at the Kerrigans' family home in Stoneham. The state medical examiner found Tuesday that Daniel Kerrigan's death was a homicide.

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone says an investigation continues into the death and whether any further charges should be brought.

The Kerrigan family issued a statement Tuesday calling the medical examiner's decision "premature and inaccurate" and asked for mercy for Daniel Kerrigan, a 45-year-old Army veteran with a history of troubles.

Janet Kerrigan, who said she knew Mark Kerrigan for four years and had been married to him for two, said she wasn't surprised at the family's defense.

"It doesn't surprise me. They're going to try to protect their son, regardless. … Danny was always there for Mark. He was always was there to protect him so it doesn't surprise me," Janet Kerrigan said.

"Janet Kerrigan does not have accurate information about my client. Nor was she or is she welcome in the Kerrigan family," said Janice Bassil, attorney for Mark Kerrigan.