http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/8998984994965684222

HUDSON – Joseph Magno, the former Maynard teacher accused of raping one of his students, was found dead in his home yesterday just hours after appearing in Middlesex Superior Court.

“We got word that he died, but we have no information about how,” said Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone.

Leone, who was informed of Magno’s death about 8 last night, said a friend of Magno’s found the former teacher dead in his home at 12 Rock Ave. That friend called police after finding Magno, he said.

Magno, who taught off and on for more than 40 years at Maynard High School, was under house arrest after being indicted last January on 18 counts of rape and indecent assault.

Leone said no cause of death was known as of 10:30 p.m. He was unsure if Magno’s family had been notified.

Magno had myriad medical problems and had been hospitalized for ailments related to his heart and diabetes. He was initially arraigned in his hospital bed after taking ill.

Hudson Fire Lt. Stephen Geldart said firefighters received a call from Magno’s home at 5:33 p.m., and an ambulance and fire engine were sent to the Rock Avenue house.

Geldart said Magno was taken to Marlborough Hospital.

One of Magno’s lawyers, Donald DeMayo, said last night he will appear in court today to essentially end the court process. He would not comment on Magno’s death.

“I can’t right now. We’ll do that tomorrow,” said DeMayo.

At what turned out to be his final court appearance yesterday, Magno, who was accused of repeatedly raping a student between 2002 and 2004, appeared downcast and tense during what was supposed to a final appearance before his case went to trial.

Magno stared intently yesterday at his left hand, which he held out above his knee while waiting for the hearing to start in Middlesex Superior Court.

“My hand …” the former Maynard High School teacher whispered to a friend. “It’s shaking.”

Judge Diane Kottmyer was expected to decide today whether to allow the prosecution’s request to introduce evidence of 14 men who say they were also abused by Magno, who advised Maynard High’s radio and cable television station.

The lengthiest discussion at the hearing was expected to be the prosecution’s motion to include testimony from the 14 men. Assistant District Attorney Michael Chinman originally argued the motion in October, but Judge Peter Lauriat did not make a ruling.

Lauriat has since been transferred to another court district, and Kottmyer has been assigned the case.

Jury selection would have begun Friday in the trial to determine whether Magno is guilty of multiple sexual assaults on his now-18-year-old accuser.

Lawyers from both sides told Kottmyer yesterday they were eager to move forward, but a change in law and the court’s postponement of a previously scheduled hearing required them to tie up some loose ends before trial.

At times throughout yesterday’s hearing, Magno lowered his large frame in his chair, and placed his head on the table when lawyers specifically discussed the charges against him.

Chinman has said Magno bought cars for some of his students including his accuser and launched a seduction that often ended in oral rape.