SPRINGFIELD, MA (WSHM) -
Police say a Springfield high school student was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend inside of her East Springfield home on Wednesday afternoon.
Detectives had taken a suspect into custody less than eight hours after the investigation began. Nickolas T. Lacrosse, 20, of 36 Observer St., was charged with the murder after detectives developed leads that indicated he had committed the homicide, according to Springfield police Sgt. John Delaney.
Police responded to 136 Prentice St. at about 3 p.m. after someone called police and reported that they found the victim inside the home suffering from stab wounds. First responding police officers were greeted by a relative at the door and then provided first aid until EMTs arrived, but the victim had no vital signs and was pronounced dead at the scene, Delaney said.
The victim was identified as 17-year-old Kathryn Mauke, of 136 Prentice St., according to Delaney.
Mauke was a senior at Sabis International Charter School on Joan Street in Springfield. In January, she won first prize in the 75th Model Congress at American International College and was awarded a full four-year scholarship to AIC. In Jan. 2014, she won the second place prize in the 74th Model Congress, and was awarded a four-year, half-tuition scholarship to the college.
Detectives investigated the homicide into the evening and spoke with the Mauke's relatives and friends. They found no signs of forced entry into Mauke's home. Police developed leads through their investigation that indicated Lacrosse had committed the homicide, Delaney said.
At about 8:30 p.m. police responded to Lacrosse's East Springfield residence to speak with him and he subsequently accompanied the detectives to police headquarters. After further questioning, Lacrosse was charged with murder.
“Police Commissioner John Barbieri praised the work of the detective's hard work and determination to arrest the subject responsible for taking this young victim's life,” Delaney said, adding that the suspect was arrested less than eight hours into the investigation.
Nickolas Lacrosse was held overnight in police lockup and was scheduled to be arraigned in Springfield District Court on Thursday morning.
“Commissioner Barbieri stated that the entire police department's heart goes out to Kathryn Mauke's family and friends. This is a tragic and senseless loss of a young high school student who was just starting her life,” Delaney said.
Lacrosse was arraigned in Springfield District Court on Thursday afternoon and held without the right to bail without prejudice. He was represented by Attorney Alexander Z. Nappan, of Greenfield. District Attorney Anthony Gullini described the allegations during the arraignment. The case was continued until March 12.
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Police say 20-year-old Nickolas Lacrosse stabbed his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend to death inside of her East Springfield home on Wednesday. He was charged with murder just eight hours after police were called to the crime scene. (SPD)
Nickolas Lacrosse was arraigned in Springfield District Court on Thursday. Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni was present during the arraignment.
Police say they were called to 136 Prentice St. in East Springfield after a 17-year-old girl was stabbed by her ex-boyfriend.
In 2014, the Sabis International Charter School Model Congress team took home the Outstanding Delegation Award. Mauke, second from the right, was awarded a four-year, half tuition scholarship to AIC. (SICS)
