LYNN, MASS. (WHDH) - A woman arrested on a murder charge late Monday night in connection with a stabbing in Lynn earlier in the day that left a 36-year-old man dead has been ordered held without bail.
Beatrice Ortiz, 34, was arraigned Tuesday in Lynn District Court on one count of murder in connection with the death of Charles Stankiewicz on Monday, according to the Essex District Attorney’s Office.
Officers responding to the area of 114 Union St. found Stankiewicz suffering from apparent stab wounds to the chest, authorities said.
Stankiewicz was later pronounced dead at Salem Hospital.
Court documents say the two got into an argument before Stankiewicz was stabbed.
Ortiz’s attorney, Michael Phelan, said she acted in self-defense.
“She is in absolute shock with the charges coming in. If you look at her record, she has some charges but they’re minor,” Phelan said outside the courthouse. “She has never spent any time in custody whatsoever.”
Police say the incident was caught on surveillance video.
Ortiz is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Sept. 23.
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