Man to be Charged in Fatal Chelsea Stabbing

BOSTON, December 13, 2021— State Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the fatal stabbing of a Chelsea woman in a domestic incident that also left the suspected killer wounded, District Attorney Rachael Rollins said.

Members of the Chelsea Police Department were called to a Stockton Street apartment at approximately 4:21 p.m. on Saturday.  Upon arrival they found 48-year-old Paula Andrea Ortiz Ramirez with multiple stab and slash wounds.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Also in the apartment and injured was Ms. Ortiz’s estranged partner, Mario Alberto Mira Lopera, 48. He was transported to a hospital and underwent lifesaving emergency surgery.  He remains in critical condition.  If Mr. Mira survives his wounds, he will be charged with murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Further information will be disclosed upon any appearance in Chelsea District Court.

“The evidence indicates that Ms. Ortiz’s life was taken in a violent domestic attack.  This is a tragedy as children are now left without a mother and have a father who will be charged with her murder if he survives,” District Attorney Rollins said.  “My heart goes out to these children and this family that is forced to endure tragedy and profound grief during the holiday season.  My office will be available and at their sides to provide the support and resources they may need during this long process.”

The victims of any crime, including domestic violence, should call 911 in an emergency. SafeLink, a statewide DV hotline, can be reached at 877-785-2020. SafeLink is answered by trained advocates 24 hours a day in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as TTY at 877-521-2601. It also has the capacity to provide multilingual translation in more than 140 languages.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.