Woman ruled competent to stand trial in Fall River court for alleged role in death of homeless man

A Massachusetts woman accused of an assault that led to a New Bedford man’s death was ruled competent to stand trial in Fall River Superior Court this week.

31-year-old Nina Busnengo, with a last known address in Mattapoisett, previously pled not guilty to Manslaughter, Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Unarmed Robbery, and Larceny From a Person.

Busnengo was indicted on October 3rd and was later held on $20,000 cash bail.

A hearing on competency took place on Wednesday and according to court records, Busnengo has been found competent to stand trial after a competency evaluation.

According to Jennifer Sowa of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 3:40 a.m. on August 20th, 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 has not yet been scheduled.