Woman pleads not guilty, held without bail for alleged role in death of homeless New Bedford man

A woman accused of an assault that led to a man’s death was arraigned Wednesday in New Bedford District Court.

31-year-old Nina Busnengo, with a last known address in Mattapoisett, pled not guilty to Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon.

Busnengo was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

According to Jennifer Sowa of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 3:40 a.m. Tuesday, New Bedford Police received a 911 call for a man with injury at 41 Rockdale Avenue in front of Seabra Foods.  

Upon arrival, first responders located the victim, 58-year-old Stephen Oswald of New Bedford, suffering from an apparent head injury.  He was pronounced deceased by New Bedford EMS Medics at 3:56 a.m.

Court documents show that Busnengo was interviewed by New Bedford Police and admitted to “stomping” on Oswald’s head after she said Oswald took her belongings without her permission.

Oswald was reportedly homeless and well-known in the community.

Busnengo’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 26th.