PORTLAND, Maine — A tragic act of violence inside a residential care facility has left one woman dead and a suspect in custody, sending shockwaves through the Portland community. Authorities confirmed that the deadly incident occurred at a group home operated by Shalom House on Woodford Street.
Portland Police announced Tuesday that 40-year-old Armando Javier Negrete has been arrested in connection with the killing of Marlene McNeill, also 40, of Gorham. The stabbing happened just before 10 a.m. Monday inside the facility located at 503 Woodford Street, near the intersection of Woodford Street and Rosemont Avenue.
According to investigators, McNeill was attacked in a back hallway of the building. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported her to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in critical condition. Despite efforts by medical staff to save her, she later died from her injuries, leaving the community mourning a life lost in a violent and sudden way.
The incident sparked a large emergency response as authorities worked to secure the building and protect other residents. Officials confirmed that several individuals were evacuated during the situation, with some being rescued using a fire department ladder truck to safely remove them from the facility.
Negrete was taken into custody without incident and later transported to the Cumberland County Jail, where he remains as the case moves forward. Police have not yet released detailed information about what may have led to the attack or whether there were any warning signs prior to the incident.
Shalom House, which provides housing and support for adults living with mental illness, is now at the center of the investigation. The tragedy has deeply affected residents, staff, and the wider Portland community, as authorities continue working to determine the motive and full circumstances behind the fatal stabbing.