A Bronx man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend after police determined that the dramatic story he initially told investigators was fabricated
44-year-old Franklin Batallas was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with murder, two counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon in the stabbing death of 30-year-old Anthonella Contreras Linarez, who was killed Wednesday night on City Island.
Authorities say Batallas initially claimed that he and Contreras Linarez had pulled over near Rodman’s Neck around 8:10 p.m. because he needed to relieve himself. He told police that two men on a moped approached the couple, attempted to rob Contreras Linarez, and stabbed her multiple times when she resisted. Batallas said he returned to the car and attempted to intervene, sustaining a slash wound to his forearm in the process.
Investigators, however, uncovered inconsistencies in his account. After further review, police determined that Batallas himself was responsible for the fatal stabbing. He was arrested at 1 p.m. Friday and taken into custody.
Contreras Linarez suffered multiple stab wounds to her body and was rushed to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, where she later died of her injuries. Batallas, who had been treated for his arm wound at the same hospital, was discharged in stable condition before being linked to the crime.
According to law enforcement sources, the couple had been in the process of breaking up at the time of the incident.
The case has sent shockwaves through both the City Island community and Contreras Linarez’s professional circle. She worked as a registered nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside, where colleagues are mourning her sudden and tragic loss.
In a statement, the hospital said:
“The Mount Sinai Health System community is mourning the loss of one of our own. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to family, friends and colleagues, and ask that you keep them in your thoughts.”
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare their case against Batallas.
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