Matthew Almontes, 41, has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend Tisha Marinoccio, 41, inside their shared apartment building in New Haven, Connecticut, authorities announced.
Background
Almontes and Marinoccio had previously dated but were no longer in a relationship at the time of Wednesday's violence, according to the New Haven Police Department. Both residents lived in the same building on the 300 block of Orange Street.
For approximately six months leading up to the attack, Almontes had been discussing plans to stab Marinoccio with an apartment building employee, police said. The conversations escalated dramatically when, according to authorities, he allegedly told the worker just days before the killing: "I'm going to kill her. I'm gonna stab her and they're not gonna find a weapon."
The employee described Almontes as having become obsessed with Marinoccio and experiencing what investigators characterized as "mental deterioration," according to a police report obtained by the New Haven Register.
The Charges
Police responded to a 911 call from Marinoccio on Wednesday reporting she had been stabbed by her ex-boyfriend. Officers arrived at her apartment and found her suffering from a stab wound. Paramedics transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Almontes was taken into custody shortly afterward after officers searched the area surrounding the building. Authorities also recovered the alleged murder weapon inside a dumpster in the rear alley of the property.
"They located the knife he used inside a dumpster in the rear alley of the apartment building," the New Haven Police Department stated. Surveillance footage obtained by investigators allegedly showed Almontes entering and exiting Marinoccio's apartment, as well as discarding an object in the rear-alley dumpster before departing the scene.
Almontes has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence. He is being held at a local jail on a $1.5 million bond. The defendant declined to speak with investigators following his arrest.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Almontes, 41, faces murder and tampering with evidence charges in the death of Tisha Marinoccio, also 41
- Both lived in the same apartment building on Orange Street in New Haven
- Police say Almontes allegedly threatened to kill and stab her for months before the attack
- Officers recovered the alleged murder weapon from a dumpster behind the building
- He is being held on $1.5 million bond; court appearance scheduled for Aug. 26
What's Next
Almontes is slated to appear in court on August 26, where formal arraignment proceedings are expected. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to compile evidence for presentation to prosecutors. Detectives are urging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward.
The Law & Crime Docket first reported this story.