Woman charged in stabbing

By MICHAEL KITCH, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — Barely 24 hours after finding a man lying face down and bleeding profusely on Baldwin Street around noon on Monday, police arrested Melissa A. Mooney, 32, a transient, whom they allege stabbed the man in the lower back in the midst of an argument.

Mooney was charged with first-degree assault, a class A felony, and possession of a narcotic drug , methamphetamine. She refused bail and is being held in Belknap County Jail pending her arraignment in Belknap County Superior Court Wednesday.

According to Capt. Matt Canfield, Mooney and Jason Tarr, 27, also a transient, began arguing about drugs and money at 123 Union Ave. where the two were living in a closet. Still arguing, they left the building, walking along Union Avenue toward the intersection with Main Street, then, as they crossed the street, Mooney allegedly stabbed Tarr in the lower back. Tarr proceeded up Baldwin Street and collapsed near the corner with Avery Street where he was found. He was taken to Lakes Region General Hospital and treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Some witnesses told police they saw a woman leave the scene while others provided information that led them to 123 Union Ave. There, after forcing entry to the locked closet, they found Mooney, who was detained for questioning and subsequently arrested on four outstanding but unrelated warrants. Canfield said that officers recovered several knives from the closet, including a 6- to 8-inch hunting knife believed to have been used in the stabbing.

Mooney was questioned by police then held in Belknap County Jail. Meanwhile, Canfield said that police pursued their investigation by interviewing witnesses and conducting a photographic lineup, which produced sufficient evidence to arrest and charge Mooney with the stabbing.

Police investigate the scene where a man collapsed after being stabbed on Monday. (File photo)