Suspected Homeless Man Murdered, New Bedford Woman Arrested

UPDATE (2 p.m.) - Gonzalez was ordered held without bail until a pre-trial hearing on October 18.

NEW BEDFORD - A 23-year-old New Bedford woman was arrested during the early morning hours Monday in connection to a homicide which occurred in the City of New Bedford late Sunday night.

Zaishary Gonzalez will be arraigned Monday morning or early Monday afternoon in New Bedford District Court on charges of murder, witness intimidation and malicious destruction of a motor vehicle.

New Bedford Police responded to the area of 91 Nauset Street last night around 9:35 pm in response to calls reporting a stabbing at that location. When police arrived they located the victim, 45-year-old Juan Roman, and transported him to St. Luke's Hospital.  The victim, who is believed to be homeless, was pronounced dead at 10:14 p.m.

The defendant was arrested at her home on Newcomb Street without incident.

The investigation is being coordinated by Assistant District Attorney Michael Sheehan, who will also be handling today's arraignment in New Bedford District Court.  The probe is being conducted by Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to this office and New Bedford Police Detectives.

-Bristol County District Attorney's Office

Roman's murder marks the fifth homicide in New Bedford for 2017.