LOWELL, Mass. – A 24-year-old man from Lowell, Massachusetts, has been indicted for the murder of his mother after she was fatally beaten while visiting his condo.
Elena Vainer, a 51-year-old from Reading, was found with severe injuries at her son’s home on Middlesex Street before succumbing to blunt force trauma and mechanical asphyxia, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Lowell police. Michael Belous was initially charged with assault and battery on a household or family member and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury after his mother’s death on July 17, 2023.
Prosecutors say that surveillance footage indicates that Vainer and Belous were the only ones at the home at the time of the incident. Despite being in custody since his initial arraignment, Belous faces upgraded charges in Middlesex Superior Court. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 23.
The tragic incident has highlighted the issue of domestic violence, prompting authorities to urge anyone experiencing similar situations to seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides resources for those in need, offering support through calls, texts, and online assistance.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to bring justice for Elena Vainer, a mother whose life was tragically cut short in her visit to her son’s home in Lowell.