Franklin Batallas, a Bronx resident, was apprehended and charged with murder, two counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon on Friday. The charges stem from the brutal killing of his girlfriend, Anthonella Contreras Linarez, on City Island on Wednesday night. Batallas initially attempted to deflect blame onto two men on a moped, alleging they attacked Linarez while he was relieving himself on the side of the road.
Authorities suspect Batallas of repeatedly stabbing Linarez, although a clear motive has yet to be established. The couple, who had been together for three years, were described by family and neighbors as deeply in love, with no apparent signs of the violent end that awaited them.
Linarez’s sister, Mayker Contreras, expressed her shock and grief, describing her sister as a loving person who enjoyed traveling. She left the fate of Batallas to the law, stating that he should be kept in custody for as long as legally possible.
Batallas initially told police that he and Linarez were on their way to dinner when they pulled over near Rodman’s Neck because he needed to urinate. He claimed that two men on a moped attempted to rob Linarez and stabbed her multiple times when she resisted. Batallas alleged that he tried to intervene, resulting in a slash wound on his forearm.
Linarez, who suffered multiple stab wounds, was rushed to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Batallas was also treated at the same hospital for his wound before being linked to the crime.
Despite being together for three years, Batallas’s Facebook status listed him as single. A memorial was set up outside Linarez’s Longwood apartment, featuring red and white roses and candles. Linarez had been employed as a registered nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside hospital, which expressed condolences for her loss.
The couple had resided together on Bathgate Avenue for a year before moving out eight months prior. Neighbors described them as a normal, friendly couple who enjoyed singing and dancing. However, there was a period of about a month when Linarez left the home with her small dog, Bella.