Fall River man sentenced to prison after drug possession, stabbing at housing development

A Fall River man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to a stabbing.

According to police, on March 7th, 2025, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to the Cottell Heights Housing Development for reports of a male victim suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Citizens called 911 and provided medical aid before first responders arrived. Emergency medical personnel provided immediate aid, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officers secured the scene, and the investigation was turned over to detectives and the Crime Scene Unit.

Through the course of the investigation, officers followed a trail of blood evidence, which led them to 75 Raymond Street, where the incident was determined to have taken place. Detectives conducted interviews with residents of the building and established that the stabbing resulted from a brief altercation.

49-year-old Barry Cabral was taken into custody and charged with Assault & Battery with Serious Bodily Injury.

Additionally, 32-year-old Erik Getchell was arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact, as well as multiple outstanding warrants. Court records show that he defaulted.

In addition to the Assault & Battery charge, Cabral also pled guilty to drug possession charges in Fall River Superior Court and was sentenced to not less than 6 years to not more than 9 years in state prison on all three charges with credit for 473 days already served.