BILLINGS – Authorities reported that a man fatally stabbed his mother in a Billings Heights residence while officers attempted to intervene.
Robert Fermin Mascarena, 38, was formally charged with deliberate homicide in Yellowstone County District Court on Tuesday. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf during arraignment, and bail was set at $500,000.
Mascarena is accused of fatally stabbing his 55-year-old mother, Patricia Mascarena, at a Billings Heights residence on Friday evening. Mascarena was shot by a Yellowstone County sheriff’s deputy during the incident but sustained minor injuries.
According to court documents, the incident was reported around 9:34 p.m. when police received a stabbing report at 843 Bench Blvd. A 12-year-old girl, the caller, stated that her uncle was stabbing her grandmother. After her uncle threatened her next, the girl fled the house and contacted the police.
Deputy Kevin Stahlberg was the first to arrive at the scene and reported a female screaming for help inside. He requested assistance to enter the residence and later advised shots had been fired.
When other officers arrived, Stahlberg informed them that the male inside mentioned having a knife and Glock handgun. Stahlberg attempted to enter through the front door, saw the male inside, and fired shots through the door.
Sheriff Mike Linder announced that Stahlberg was put on temporary administrative leave for an internal review following the incident.
Once outside, officers spoke with the 12-year-old girl, who provided details of the incident. She witnessed her uncle repeatedly stabbing her grandmother and confirmed the threat made against her. Officers forced entry using a ram and found the injured woman, Patricia Mascarena, who later died at the scene.
Robert Mascarena was apprehended while trying to escape through a window. During the arrest, he made statements about his actions and a perceived gunshot wound on his abdomen was noted by officers.
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