A New Jersey woman has been charged with fatally stabbing her ex-boyfriend during an argument, authorities said.
Samantha A. Massimino, 33, of Toms River, is facing aggravated manslaughter and weapons charges in the early Saturday stabbing of Reinaldo Feliciano Jr., 35, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Cops responded to a Toms River home at about 4 a.m. Saturday and found Feliciano with a stab wound to his leg. He was rushed to a hospital, but died from his wounds about 45 minutes later, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and Toms River police said.
The pair, who had previously dated, were involved in a “physical altercation” when Massimino grabbed a knife and stabbed Feliciano, who also lived in Toms River, authorities said.
Massimino, who was arrested Saturday, is also facing charges of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon in addition to aggravated manslaughter, Billhimer said.
“I commend all law enforcement officers involved in this tragic case for their dedicated professionalism, and for swiftly identifying Ms. Massimino as the individual responsible for Mr. Feliciano’s death and bringing her into custody,” Billhimer said in a statement.
Authorities did not indicate what they believe led up to the fatal stabbing or exactly where the incident took place. Toms River cops responded to a home early Saturday after a 911 call indicated a man had been stabbed, police said.
Massimino remained held without bail Monday and her next appearance in court had yet to be scheduled, online records show. It’s unclear if she’s hired an attorney.