LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) - Authorities say a relative of a woman found slain in her Lawrence apartment tried to attack the man charged with killing her during his arraignment.
Tony Ventura, of Lawrence, was arrested hours after his girlfriend, 32-year-old Maria Morton, was found dead on Sunday night.
At Ventura’s arraignment Monday, a man jumped over a courtroom railing and charged at Ventura. Court officers and public safety personnel intercepted the man.
At about the same time, a woman began shouting obscenities at Ventura. The public was ordered to leave the courtroom.
Prosecutors say the 32-year-old Ventura strangled Morton.
Ventura’s attorney says his client is greatly remorseful.
Ventura has been ordered jailed without bail. He’s expected back in court next month.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.