Peabody man held without bail for stabbing girlfriend

The Peabody man who allegedly murdered his longtime girlfriend told authorities that he was protecting his granddaughter when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

Brandon Hoar was held without bail and was charged with first-degree murder for stabbing 55-year-old Cheryl Young to death.

Essex County Assistant Attorney General Christina Ronan told the court that Peabody Police responded to a call at 1 Gates Road at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Hoar, 59, was sitting on his porch when police arrived. Authorities say he told them that he killed Young. Police found Young’s body on the living room couch. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The granddaughter was removed from the home and is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. Hoar will return to court on July 16 for a probable cause hearing.