Massachusetts

Police: Road rage incident turns into deadly stabbing

BROCKTON, Mass. — A Massachusetts woman authorities say fatally stabbed another woman in the neck during a traffic dispute has been held without bail.

A not guilty plea to a charge of murder was entered on behalf of 32-year-old Jacqueline Mendes, of Fall River, at her arraignment Monday.

The Plymouth district attorney's office says Mendes and 41-year-old Jennifer Landry were involved in a "traffic confrontation" in Brockton at about 4 p.m. Friday.

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Authorities say Mendes stabbed Landry then drove away before turning herself into police within 15 minutes.

Mendes was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charge was upgraded after Landry died at the hospital Saturday. Family members tell The Enterprise that Landry was a Brockton resident who leaves behind a 13-year-old son.

Mendes's attorney called it a case of self-defense.