Massachusetts woman sentenced to life for fatally stabbing her firefighter and Army vet husband

MARSHFIELD, Mass. (TCN) -- Prosecutors recently announced the sentencing guidelines for a 49-year-old woman who killed her 51-year-old firefighter husband following an argument.

According to a news release from the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, a judge sentenced Christine Ricci to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years for the second-degree murder of her husband, Michael Ricci. She was also sentenced to six years to six years and a day in state prison for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon that must be served before the life term. A jury found Christine Ricci guilty of the charges on Aug. 2.

On Jan. 28, 2021, Marshfield Police responded to a home on Marine Street, where they found Michael Ricci suffering from stab wounds. He was transported to South Shore Hospital and pronounced deceased. Prosecutors said the victim sustained stab wounds to his chest and upper shoulder.

Upon further investigation, detectives learned Christine Ricci and her husband got into a verbal dispute before the defendant grabbed a knife and fatally stabbed Michael Ricci in the heart and back. A knife was recovered at the home near the victim's body.

According to WBZ-TV, Christine Ricci said she retrieved the knife out of fear, and her husband jumped toward her. She allegedly told officials she didn't realize she had stabbed her husband until he fell.

Michael Ricci reportedly worked for the Boston Fire Department for 23 years and leaves behind three children.

In a statement, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said, "Michael Ricci Sr. was an Army veteran and proud member of the Boston Fire Department. 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."