BOSTON — A man accused of stabbing his wife to death in Lawrence pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.
Joel Monegro, 32, allegedly stabbed his wife, Yesenia Torres, 28, during a discussion on Monday afternoon. According to relatives, the couple was splitting up and they were discussing child support for their three kids and money when the incident happened.
Police and EMTs responded to a 911 call from Monegro's friend and then from the suspect himself, saying they needed an ambulance at a Doyle Street apartment.
Officers who responded to the scene said they found both Monegro and Torres bleeding heavily from stab wounds. As they were being treated by paramedics, Torres told officers "he stabbed me," motioning toward Monegro.
Both were rushed to Lawrence General Hospital and then to Boston hospitals.
Torres died during surgery, and Monegro, who remains hospitalized, was arraigned at his hospital bed on Monday.
He is being charged with one count of murder, but a not guilty plea has been entered on his behalf.
Court documents show the suspect was arraigned exactly one week before his wife's murder for an alleged assault and battery on her.
Five years ago, Monegro is accused of punching Torres and throwing her around. The case was dismissed when she didn't appear in court.
Monegro is being held without bail and will have another court appearance next month.
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