Fall River woman claims self defense in fatal road rage stabbing

A Fall River woman was held without bail today after her arraignment on murder charges according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz.

At approximately 3:45 pm on Friday, Brockton Police received multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing in the vicinity of 276 Belmont Street and at the intersection of Grafton Street. Upon arrival, police and emergency medical personnel located a female victim suffering from a stab wound to the right side of her neck. She was treated on scene and transported to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton before she was transferred by helicopter to Boston Medical Center (BMC) for treatment. She was pronounced dead at BMC on Saturday.

The victim has been identified as 41-year-old Jennifer Landry of Brockton.

Brockton Police contacted State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and an investigation commenced. At approximately 4:00 pm on Friday, Jacqueline Mendes (DOB: 5/16/87) of Fall River, reported to the Brockton Police station and informed police that she had been involved in an incident.

State Police Detectives and Brockton Police developed information that a traffic confrontation ensued between Mendes and Landry prior to the stabbing. Mendes allegedly stabbed Landry with a knife and re-entered her vehicle and fled the scene. Mendes was placed under arrest at Brockton Police station and charged with one count each of Assault with Intent to Murder and Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon. After the victim was pronounced dead today, investigators also charged Mendes with one count of Murder.

Mendes pleaded not guilty today in court claiming self defense.