BOSTON -- The comfort and quiet of a small Stoughton neighborhood was upset during the weekend when a couple was attacked in their home.

NewsCenter 5's Sheba Russell reported that Georgios Kontsas, 78, fought the assailant Saturday so his wife could escape. She was able to get away, but Kontsas was killed. Police arrested John Rooney, 46, on Sunday.

Rooney, of Randolph, pleaded not guilty to murder, home invasion, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, armed assault in a dwelling and armed assault to murder a person over 60.

He was held without bail and scheduled to return to court for a probable cause hearing on March 29.

The incident occurred about 10 a.m. inside the foyer of the Kontsas' home at 8 Mara Circle. Police said Rooney gained access to the home and stabbed Kontsas and his wife while they were alone inside.

Dorothea Kontsas, 74, escaped through the back door and fled to a neighbor’s house after she was slashed in the throat, Keating said. The neighbor then phoned for help.

Dorothea Kontsas was transported to a Boston hospital, where she underwent surgery for wounds that were not life-threatening.

Georgios Kontsas was pronounced dead inside his home when paramedics arrived.

Officials did not say what the motive was for the attack.

Kontsas was a retired businessman who still managed some commercial property. Keating said the couple has an adult son and adult daughter who do not live in Stoughton.