A man from the Bronx has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, after he initially tried to shift the blame onto two moped riders, claiming they attacked her as he stopped to relieve himself by the roadside, according to police reports and sources.
Franklin Batallas was apprehended at 1 p.m. on Friday and faces charges that include murder, two counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. These charges are connected to the brutal stabbing of Anthonella Contreras Linarez, which occurred on Wednesday night on City Island, as confirmed by authorities.
Investigators believe that Batallas inflicted multiple stab wounds on Linarez but are still working to determine a motive for the attack.
Family and neighbors expressed disbelief about the violent turn in the couple’s relationship, describing them as deeply in love and showing no signs of turmoil. “He was like a brother-in-law to us, and this news is an emotional shock. I’m at a loss for words,” said Mayker Contreras, Linarez’s sister, who is now focused on making funeral arrangements.
“My sister was an amazing person who loved everyone. She was my little girl,” Contreras stated in Spanish, sharing that Linarez enjoyed traveling, particularly to the Dominican Republic.
“It’s heartbreaking that her life was cut so short,” she added, voicing her hope for justice. “Let the law decide how long he should be kept away.”
According to Batallas, the couple had pulled over around 8:10 p.m. for him to use the bathroom just outside Rodman’s Neck. While he was away, he alleged that two men approached on a moped, attempted to rob Linarez, and stabbed her when she resisted. He claimed to have rushed back to intervene but was also injured in the process, suffering a knife wound on his forearm.
Responders rushed Linarez to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, where she unfortunately did not survive due to the extent of her injuries as per police reports.
Despite their three-year relationship, Batallas’ social media profile lists him as “single,” raising eyebrows among those who knew the couple.
A small memorial has been created outside Linarez’s Longwood apartment building, featuring red and white roses and lit candles in her honor.
The Mount Sinai Health System released a statement mourning her loss: “We are heartbroken to lose one of our own and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.” Linarez had been a dedicated nurse, reflecting a commitment to care that touched many lives.
The couple had lived together at an apartment on Bathgate Avenue for about a year before moving out eight months prior to the tragic incident.
Neighbors have shared their memories of Linarez and Batallas, with one detailing how the couple frequently filled their home with music and laughter. “They were always singing and dancing,” recalled Angela Marcelino, who added that their music choice was often romantic.
However, it was noted that Linarez had a brief phase where she left the apartment, taking her small dog, Bella, which raised concern among those close to her. “At times, I noticed Anthonella seemed a bit off, but I never pried into her life,” Marcelino mentioned.
Despite the charges, some neighbors remain hesitant to believe in Batallas’ guilt. “I can’t imagine he could do something like this,” Marcelino said. “They seemed like such a lovely couple.”
