Cambridge Man Argues Self-defense In Fatal Stabbing Incident: Report

CAMBRIDGE, MA — A man arrested in a fatal stabbing incident from last week is pleading self-defense, according to a report from Cambridge Day.

Victor Rivas, 51, was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 17 on the charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury. Police responded to the scene on 116 Norfolk Street just before 8 p.m. after dispatchers received a report that someone had been stabbed. Upon arrival, police, fire, and EMS workers found one male suffering from serious injuries and rushed him to a nearby hospital where he later died.

Public defender Carolyn McGowan argued her client had a “strong case” for self-defense in the altercation that began during a marijuana purchase. She demonstrated forehead lacerations as well as a deep wound on the back of Rivas’s neck, both of which were reportedly suffered during the incident.According to McGowan, Rivas had been homeless for the majority of his life and had no assets and that he was about to start a vocational training program prior to his arrest.

While prosecution asked that Rivas be held at a $75,000 bail, McGowan asked that he be released with a curfew that would allow him to attend a local vocational program that he is scheduled to start on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Morgan said he could not grant that without knowing the expected schedule, but said he would consider it.

Rivas has another pre-trial date scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6.

Read more at Cambridge Day.

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