NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A 43-year-old Newport News man has been arrested after a 39-year-old Newport News woman was found stabbed to death Sunday night.
Just before 6 p.m. police responded to the 100 Block of Louise Drive after receiving reports about a stabbing.
Officers found 39-year-old Laquita Ball suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.
The suspect was identified as 43-year-old Lawrence Smith. He was taken into custody at a gas station in York County after one of his family members called the York County Sheriff's Office to arrange for him to turn himself in.
Smith was transported to Newport News and was charged with First Degree Murder.
In court papers, obtained by News 3, Smith told police he overheard his girlfriend, Ball, talking to another man on the phone. He said he told police he decided to confront her. That’s when he admits to going in the kitchen and grabbing a knife. Court papers say Smith told police he “only wanted to scare her.”
In the criminal complaint, Smith said he followed Ball in the bathroom and pushed her in the shower. Court papers say Smith says he then “poked her” with the knife at least two times. He said the knife then broke. Smith said he then pushed past Ball’s son and left the apartment on foot.
Smith is expected to be in court on Tuesday.
