Burlington Stabbing Suspect in Custody, Arraignment Monday [Videos]

The man wanted in connection with last evening’s stabbing death in Burlington has been taken into custody, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone and Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent informed the public today.

During a press conference at the Middlesex DA's office in Woburn, Leone informed reporters that Christopher Piantedosi, 39,  who had been living in Methuen, turned himself to State Police shortly before 1:00 p.m. Leone said the suspect was identified by a trooper and placed under arrest. An for Piantedosi for one count of murder.

After turning himself in, Piantedosi was transported to the , Leone said. Piantedosi will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Monday in Woburn District Court on one count of murder.

“We allege that the defendant brutally and fatally stabbed the victim, a loving mother of two, inside her home. We intend to hold him fully accountable for this unspeakable act of violence," District Attorney Leone said.  “This is another horrific domestic violence homicide.  We are continuing to work to reduce the very real and difficult barriers against disclosure that exist in cases of domestic violence so that we are able to provide support for victims of abuse before it is too late.  Our thoughts remain with the victim’s children, family, and friends.”

"We allege this defender brutally stabbed to death Miss Kristen Pulisciano in her home" Leone said.

Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent also had a statement, released at the conference. 

“This is a very disturbing case and, while the Burlington Police Department works hard every day to combat the complicated dynamics of domestic violence, incidents like this unfortunately can and do happen, despite our best efforts,” Kent said.  “I want to commend the great cooperative efforts of the Massachusetts State Police, Middlesex DA’s Office, and my department, for their comprehensive work on this case.”

According to authorities, at approximately 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Burlington Police responded to 23 Forbes Avenue for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim, with clearly fatal stab wounds.  The victim, Kristen Pulisciano, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene in her home.

Burlington Police and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the stabbing.  It is alleged that the defendant, who had had a long-standing relationship with the victim until recently, stabbed the victim inside her home and then fled.  The investigation remains active and ongoing by Burlington PD and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. 

These charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case is Nicole Allain.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Karen Fahy.

Additional Information from the Press Conference:

Leone said the investigation had revealed "much evidence," including; key witnesses, statements, physical evidence, electronic evidence, biological fluid evidence and the murder weapons found on the scene. He said that when police found the body, they discovered "several stab wounds, obviously fatal."

The investigation also revealed the victim and defendant had a long-term live-in relationship until recently when Piantedosi left to live with relatives in Methuen, according to Leone. 

Leone said records show that Pulisciano never had a restraining order against the suspect, but that the investigation so far has shown there was a history of domestic violence.

"The investigation also revealed that there had been acts of power, control and violent abusive behavior by the defendant to the victim."

Leone also provided additional information on the family. He said the couple had two children, a 20-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. Both are safe at this time though Leone would not get into the details of their location. He also said there is some difficulty in determining the exact relationship of the children with the parents, whether they are the biological children of both parents.

Leone said it was the daughter who initially contacted police about the stabbing and stated she was at the house at or about the time of the attack. He did not state if she was ever in danger or not.

Finally, at the conference Chief Kent said the Burlington Police will continue to combat domestic violence.

"My community Burlington is a very proactive community on domestic violence," he said. "We have a full-time domestic violence officer and a civilian advocate. Once again we're seeing domestic violence raise its ugly head in a bedroom community like Burlington. We will continue to be vigilant as all communities would be to address domestic violence issues."

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