Christine Ricci receives life in prison for killing Boston firefighter husband

Prosecutors said Ricci was unable to move past her rage and jealousy over an extramarital affair her husband had several years prior.

A Marshfield woman was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for stabbing her Boston firefighter husband to death in 2021 following a verbal altercation at the couple’s home.

Christine Ricci, 49, was convicted of second-degree murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon earlier this month in the death of 51-year-old Michael Ricci Sr., a 23-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department. Prosecutors said Ricci stabbed her husband in the heart and back, unable to move past her rage and jealousy over an extramarital affair Michael Ricci had several years prior.

Judge Diane Freniere sentenced Ricci to six years in prison for the assault and battery charge, to be followed by a life term on the murder charge with the possibility of parole after 20 years. Ricci’s lawyers didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

“Michael Ricci, Sr. was an Army veteran and proud member of the Boston Fire Department,” Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz said in a statement. “His most cherished role, however, was being a caring father, son, sibling and friend to many. My thoughts today are with the Ricci family who have been torn apart by this tragic and senseless murder.”

Michael Ricci’s mother, siblings, and children reflected on his memory in victim impact statements read aloud in court Thursday.

“My dad was and is still my hero,” Michael Ricci Jr. said, per Court TV video. “He is the person I looked up to and tried to live my life the way he did.”

He said his father set an example for living selflessly and helping others, adding that the Ricci family was left reeling in his absence.

“We have years of healing that we have to do, somehow find a sense of normalcy and become a family again,” Michael Ricci Jr. said. “It’s going to take a lot of time, a lot of tears and perseverance, but we have to do it alone between me and my siblings.”

Through tears, Sophiya Ricci — the couple’s daughter — spoke about losing out on moments with her father and the guilt she felt missing her mother, even in spite of Christine Ricci’s actions on Jan. 28, 2021.

“I just want my family back together as much as I can have, and I want more than anything for us to heal together,” Sophiya Ricci said.

Christine Ricci is expected to serve her sentence at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, according to online court records.

“Ms. Ricci, within your own soul, you will live with the guilt and burden of Michael Ricci Sr.’s death for the rest of your life,” Freniere said upon handing down her sentence, per Court TV video.