An 82-year-old San Anselmo man is behind bars after police say an argument with his female roommate exploded into violence when he allegedly tried to hit her with a hammer inside their home on San Francisco Boulevard last Saturday. Central Marin Police Authority officers responded to the house, where they arrested the suspect at the scene. Investigators say the dispute escalated into an attempted attack and that the man made statements indicating he intended to kill his roommate during the incident.
According to the East Bay Times, court filings identify the suspect as Robert Anthony Prichard, 82, who was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Jail records show bail set at $500,000 and list Prichard as still in custody at the Marin County Jail following the reported disturbance at about 10:30 AM.
Initial Court Appearance
Prichard made an initial appearance in Marin County Superior Court before Judge Kevin Murphy. Murphy is a sitting judge on the Marin County Superior Court, according to the court’s announcement about his appointment, as noted by the Marin County Superior Court. The case was routed into the county’s felony calendar for further proceedings.
Plea Hearing Set for Aug. 4
At Tuesday’s hearing, Prichard’s public defender, La Dell Dangerfield, asked the court to delay entering a plea, and a follow-up plea hearing was set for Aug. 4, 2026, according to the East Bay Times. Court filings also show a protective order was issued prohibiting Prichard from contacting the alleged victim while the case is pending.
Where the Case Stands
Prichard remains in custody as prosecutors and investigators continue reviewing the case. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office lists the county jail’s location as 13 Peter Behr Drive in San Rafael on its website, according to the Marin County Sheriff. The Marin County District Attorney’s Office is expected to handle charging decisions as the matter moves toward the August hearing.
