http://news.bostonherald.com/localRe...rticleid=56053

Poor table manners? This turkey takes cake
By Franci Richardson
Saturday, November 27, 2004

A Worcester drifter who refused to stop picking at a Thanksgiving Day
turkey with his fingers took to carving up his critics when he stabbed a
nagging but good-natured uncle and cousin, who had given him a place to
stay.
``They requested he be more polite and use more utensils that are
provided, as opposed to his fingers,'' Worcester Deputy Police Chief
Paul Campbell said. ``So obviously he didn't pass the Miss Manners course.''

Frank Palacios, 23, of Worcester was at a Thanksgiving dinner
hosted by his dead mother's family when he allegedly stabbed Gonzalo
Ocasio, 49, on his right arm and cut the fingers on his left hand.
Gonzalo Ocasio Jr., 18, suffered stab wounds to the ribs, Campbell said.

They were treated and released from University of Massachusetts
Medical Center.

Responding to an emergency call about 6:30 p.m., police found the
Ocasio clan holding Palacios face-down on the floor in their high-rise
apartment.

``I think he felt the wrath of the family,'' Campbell said.

Palacios was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and
released and then booked on two counts of domestic assault and battery
with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to murder.

Palacios was wanted on two outstanding warrants charging him with
shoplifting and carrying a dangerous weapon.

``He isn't unknown to us,'' Campbell said.

But Palacios' father said he believes his drifter son has been
trying for years to re-create the family he never had.

``I think Frank needs a family,'' Nicolas Palacios said from his
home in Tampa, Fla., adding that his son has seen the death of his
mother, stepfather and grandmother. ``He's got a good heart, but he
needs help. He doesn't have a home. He's out on the street and he needs
help.''

He believes the stabbing was the result of a booze-fueled celebration.

``When alcohol is involved, they're different people,'' he said.