Massachusetts

Woman Charged With Murder in Steak Knife Stabbing That Killed Lynn Man

Beatrice Ortiz has a strong case for self-defense, her attorney said

A Massachusetts woman accused of stabbing a man to death with a steak knife Monday night in Lynn was charged with murder and ordered held without bail on Tuesday, according to the Essex District Attorney's office.

Beatrice Ortiz, 34, of Lynn, was arrested at her home after 36-year-old Lynn resident Charles Stankiewicz was stabbed in the area of Union and Green streets, authorities said.

Stankiewicz was taken to an area hospital, where he died.

Ortiz was charged with one count of murder during her arraignment in Lynn District Court.

Ortiz pushed Stankiewicz into the street, where he threw a soda can at her and began to punch her, prosecutors say. A bystander intervenes, but she is seen on surveillance footage picking up a steak knife that had fallen from her pocket and stabbing Stankiewicz.

She has a strong case for self-defense, said her attorney, Michael Phelan.

Stankiewicz has had numerous run-ins with the law, including an allegation of shoplifting in Swampscott, Massachusetts, last week.

His family was emotional after the court hearing on Tuesday, with one calling the legal system "a joke," before getting into his vehicle.

Ortiz is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Sept. 23.

Contact Us