SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A Springfield man is dead after police allege his neighbor deliberately ran him over with an SUV not once, but twice.

Court documents revealed 77-year-old Robert Crane’s final words before he was killed were “you’re a coward.” Those words were shouted in the middle of a quiet Springfield neighborhood and ended in a deadly confrontation that has left the neighborhood reeling.

The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Shady Brook Lane. When our crews arrived, the area was blocked off with caution tape and neighbors stood in their yards stunned. Joseph Vaughan, 68, has been charged with murdering Crane, his neighbor. Neighbors who reached out to our newsroom said they’re horrified by the loss of their friend.

Court documents obtained by Western Mass News revealed chilling details about what took place Friday afternoon. According to a witness who lives a few streets over, Crane was allegedly standing behind a light pole at 132 Shady Brook Lane. He then walked into the middle of the street and yelled, “you’re a coward.” That’s when a gray SUV struck Crane at high speed, but it didn’t stop there. The SUV reversed and ran over Crane a second time, which left him trapped underneath.

The driver, later identified as Vaughan, and his wife got out of the car and walked into their home at 124 Shady Brook Lane. The witness reportedly saw the whole thing firsthand while driving by. He even tried to save Crane, but was unsuccessful.

Court documents also revealed that Crane’s wife was also hit by the car. Both were treated on-scene. Robert Crane was taken to Baystate Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Vaughan was arraigned Monday in Springfield District Court. A judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. He’s being held without bail on charges of murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Western Mass News was told, off-camera, the incident was due to a long-standing feud between the neighbors that finally came to a head. However, we have not yet confirmed that through law enforcement.

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and will have more information as it becomes available.

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