BOSTON (WHDH) - A man charged in connection with the stabbing deaths of two women in Dorchester over the weekend has been ordered held without bail.
Marcus Chavis, 35, of Dorchester, was arraigned Monday in Dorchester District Court on charges including two counts of murder and animal cruelty.
Officers responding to a report of a stabbing at 26 Taft St. just before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday found 28-year-old Fatima Yasin and 42-year-old Jahaira DeAlto in separate bedrooms suffering from serious stab wounds to the neck, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the other victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Two children, ages 7 and 8, were inside the home when the stabbings happened and were taken to the hospital for an evaluation, police said. They were not harmed.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the two women whose lives were violently stolen,” Rollins said. “Staff assigned to my office’s Victim Witness Assistance Program have been in contact with the victims’ families to extend our condolences and to provide ongoing support and resources, especially for the children whose lives have been forever changed.”
A dog was also reportedly stabbed during the incident and taken to the MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Center for treatment.
DeAlto, a well-known transgender advocate, had taken in Chavis, Yasin, and the children in to live with her, according to police.
Chavis allegedly told investigators that he takes medication for post traumatic stress disorder and paranoid schizophrenia.
Jennifer Wahr, one of DeAlto’s close friends, says she was dedicated to elevating Boston’s transgender community.
“She was a huge advocate for trans folks in general, and especially people trying to get out of violent relationships,” Wahr said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Boston Police Homicide Detectives at 617-343-4470.
An investigation remains ongoing.
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