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Rie Hachiyanagi, professor of art at Mount Holyoke College, allegedly attacked a fellow Mount Holyoke professor inside the colleague’s home in the early morning hours of Dec. 24, police say. Hachiyanagi is charged with armed assault with attempt to murder a person over the age of 60, three accounts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, mayhem and armed assault in a dwelling, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette. The victim, who has not been named publicly, sustained serious injuries to her head and face. She reportedly told investigators that Hachiyanagi came to her home unannounced to talk about her feelings and then attacked her with multiple household items.
Hachiyanagi allegedly told the victim that she’d loved her for many years and that she should have known. The victim said she “played along” to convince Hachiyanagi to call 911. Hachiyanagi told police that she didn’t remember anything that happened that night and that she has a history of concussions. She has previously created art based on memories she lost following a severe auto accident. Mount Holyoke confirmed that the incident involved two professors. A spokesperson reportedly said that Hachiyanagi, who is being held without bail, is now on administrative leave and not permitted on campus, pending further investigation. “We take very seriously the safety and well-being of every member of our community, and the college is providing support to impacted parties as appropriate,” the spokesperson said.
