Melrose community holds vigil for 36-year-old Bronx man who was fatally stabbed

"

Dozens of family members and friends held a vigil in Melrose on Friday night to honor a man who police said was stabbed and killed by his girlfriend last month. The group lit candles and released balloons to remember 36-year-old Joshua Johnson. Police said Johnson was stabbed and killed around 4 a.m. on Sept. 22 near Lincoln Avenue and East 132nd Street. Karlene Payne, 31, was arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. Payne pleaded not guilty. Authorities told News 12 that Payne is currently out on a $75,000 bond and $25,000 cash bail. She is also required to wear an ankle bracelet. This comes as the Bronx DA’s office said it continues to investigate the incident as domestic violence, and as of Friday night, Payne has not been indicted. Johnson’s family said Joshua was a great man, father, brother, and friend. “The spirit he left was just awesome,” said Kim Monroe, Johnson’s aunt. “He was a very, very happy-go-lucky person.” “He was a great person,” said Trav, Johnson’s cousin. “He was a funny soul. He was somebody that brought everybody together. So, if there’s a message that the family wants the world to take away from this, is that domestic violence is real; and it happens on both ends, and everybody should be able to walk away.” Payne is due back in court on Nov. 7. News 12 reached out to Payne’s attorney for comment. His said, “the loss of life is a tragedy.” "