A Maine community is mourning the heartbreaking death of a mother of two who was fatally stabbed inside a mental health group home earlier this week.
Marlene McNeill, 40, died after suffering critical injuries during a violent attack Monday morning at a Shalom House facility in Portland.
According to the Portland Police Department, officers responded to the group home around 10 a.m. on May 4 after reports of a stabbing inside the building.
Authorities said McNeill was found with life-threatening injuries and rushed to Maine Medical Center, where she later died.
Police say the attack happened in a hallway near the back of the home.
During the terrifying aftermath, firefighters reportedly used ladder trucks to help residents on the second floor escape the building so they would not have to walk through the crime scene.
Investigators later arrested Armando Javier Negrete, 40, who was also a resident at the facility.
Police said Negrete was taken into custody without incident.
Detectives returned to the property the following day to continue searching the area, where investigators reportedly recovered a knife from a nearby yard.
Negrete has since been charged with murder and is being held without bail at the Cumberland County Jail.
During his first court appearance Wednesday, a judge ordered a mental health evaluation.
The official cause of death is still expected to be determined by the medical examiner’s office.
Shalom House, the nonprofit organization where the attack happened, provides support and housing services for adults living with mental illness.
In a statement, the organization described McNeill as a deeply dedicated employee who cared passionately about helping others.
“There is much to be said to honor Marlene,” a spokesperson said. “She shared with the rest of the Shalom House team a passion for the agency’s mission.”
As loved ones continue grieving, support has poured in for McNeill’s family.
A GoFundMe organized by her partner’s brother has already raised more than $122,000 to help support her children and loved ones.
The fundraiser described McNeill as a loving mother, devoted partner, and loyal friend whose kindness touched countless people.
Her children, according to the fundraiser, are still struggling to understand the tragedy.
“What they do understand is that their mother is gone,” organizer Brian O’Connell wrote.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
All employees should be armed in these facilities. Had she had a gun she could have shot this piece of crap and we would not need to house his skanky ass in prison
Another trashy spik that is probably an illegal.
Not Guilty by reason of insanity!!
Maine???
Was the victim a democrat??? If so, I’m certain the victim would not want any punishment taken against the murderer.