New Bedford Murderer Sentenced Again

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A New Bedford man already serving a life sentence for murder has also been sentenced to an additional three to five years in state prison for “shanking” another inmate and assaulting him.

Who Is Ivan Fontanez?

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said that Ivan Fontanez, 28, pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court on July 18 to assaulting a fellow inmate while the two were both in the Bristol County House of Correction in December 2022.

According to Quinn, on December 19, 2022, Fontanez was awaiting trial for the murder of Brad Lourenco, 18, of New Bedford, for which he was later convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Details of the Jailhouse Stabbing and Assault

On that date, the victim got into a fight with another inmate, and Fontanez joined in with a makeshift knife known as a “shank,” punching the victim and stabbing him in the back. Correctional officers then broke up the fight. After the officers handcuffed the victim, Fontanez punched and kicked him.

The victim was sent to the hospital with a fractured nose and minor puncture wounds.

Inmate Refused to Cooperate With Investigators

Quinn said although the victim was not cooperative with the investigation or prosecution of the case, the incident was captured on surveillance video, and the shank itself was located by a maintenance worker days later after it was disposed of in a toilet by another maintenance worker.

District Attorney Reacts to the Conviction

“Despite being held on murder charges, the defendant ‘shanked’ another inmate. Fortunately, the incident was captured on video surveillance because the other inmate was not cooperative,” D.A. Quinn said. “I am pleased the defendant was held accountable for this lawless behavior in the jail.”

7 Common Types of Contraband Found in Prisons

Items that can pose a risk to the prison environment or threaten the security of the facility. This can include illegal items that can cause harm (e.g., drugs and weapons) or items that are prohibited within the secure area of the facility (e.g., cell phones). Individuals convicted in the federal system of providing or possessing contraband in prison are punished accordingly.

Source: United States Sentencing Commission, Special Edition: Quick Facts.

See more at www.ussc.gov.

Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, TSM