New Bedford Woman Arrested on Murder Charges

NEW BEDFORD — A 33-year-old New Bedford woman has been arrested on murder and assault and battery charges in connection to the death on Monday of a 62-year-old man in a downtown apartment.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said Chelsea Pimental was arrested on Tuesday in relation to the death of Kevin Stoughton and will be arraigned today in New Bedford District Court.

At around 1 p.m. on Monday, March 28, Fairhaven police contacted New Bedford police asking for a wellness check at 39 North Sixth St. after Pimental's parents contacted the department.

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According to the D.A.'s office, the defendant had called her mother that morning to say that a man had died in front of her at that address.

Police arrived to find the dead man, later identified as Stoughton, at his apartment, where Pimental had allegedly been staying.

Pimental was questioned by police that day, but spent the night at a hotel while the investigation continued.

Further investigation by state police, New Bedford police and the state medical examiner's office found that the victim had died by homicide, the D.A.'s office stated.

Pimental was arrested and charged with murder, assault and battery on a household member, and assault and battery.

She was held in custody overnight and will be arraigned later today, according to the D.A.'s office.

The investigation is ongoing and no further details have been disclosed.