A woman who is facing a murder charge following a fatal road rage stabbing in Brockton, Massachusetts was ordered to be held without bail, Monday.
Police announced Saturday that Jacqueline Mendes, 32, of Fall River was arrested in connection to the incident.
According to police, two women got into a traffic-related confrontation in the area of Belmont and Grafton streets. Witnesses say the two women got out of their cars and were arguing before Mendes grabbed a knife from her vehicle. Mendes then allegedly stabbed 41-year-old Jennifer Landry, of Brockton, in the side of the neck.
Mendes got back in her car and left the scene.
Landry, who was in serious condition, was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital before being flown to Boston Medical Center for treatment, the district attorney's office said. Landry died as a result of her injuries Saturday. Family members tell The Enterprise that Landry leaves behind a 13-year-old son.
Mendes turned herself in at the Brockton Police station a short time after the incident. She was subsequently arrested and charged with assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Mendes now also faces one count of murder.
Mendes appeared in Brockton District Court Monday morning where a judge ordered her held without bail. Landry's family clapped when the judge made that decision. The family told NBC10 that they feel justice has been served.
"We want to make sure we get the right information, and, once again, stand up for the victim in these cases who should not be held invisible," the Plymouth County District Attorney said Monday. "She's not here to have a lawyer come up here today and say exactly what happened... We'll do our job. We'll stand up for them and we'll see what happens."
Mendes's attorney claimed the murder charge was too harsh because the defendant was merely defending herself. He claimed Landry also had a knife, and that after the stabbing, Mendes drove straight to police.
Court records show Mendes said, "Some girl tried to stab me and I think I stabbed her by accident."
Mendes family in court called the incident an accident and said they were "sorry."
Landry's family did not comment as they left the courtroom.