A dispute over water dripping from an upstairs apartment patio allegedly escalated into a deadly stabbing at a New Mexico apartment complex, leaving a 22-year-old woman dead and her neighbor facing a murder charge.
Michael Cain, 39, has been charged with an open count of murder in the death of Esmeralda Romero, according to Bernalillo County jail records. He also faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence.
Cain is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
The fatal confrontation unfolded Monday at the Albuquerque Encore Apartments, where Cain lived directly below Romero.
According to court documents cited by local news outlets, Cain became angry because water was dripping from Romero’s patio onto his own. He reportedly complained to an employee in the leasing office, who told him the issue would be addressed.
Romero later went to the office with complaints of her own, allegedly telling management that Cain had come to her apartment, pounded on her door and harassed her.
She reportedly explained that water sometimes spilled from her dog’s bowl and denied Cain’s accusation that she was deliberately pouring water onto his patio.
The leasing employee said she was trying to find a solution and advised Romero to contact security or call 911 if Cain threatened her.
Authorities allege that Cain attacked Romero as she was leaving the leasing office.
According to investigators, he ran toward her from the parking lot armed with a knife and stabbed her multiple times. Romero died from her injuries.
The leasing office employee reportedly told police that Cain fled after the attack. He allegedly dropped the knife, called 911 and said he had stabbed someone.
Officers responded to the apartment complex and arrested Cain.
Police noticed that Cain appeared to have an injury to his hand. He was taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked into jail.
The charges against Cain remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Another black, why are these people so violent?
Hispanics must learn that folks of color hate them!!!
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