Crime

Teen accused of stabbing 19-year-old to death in Chelsea held without bail

Ava Najafi, 17, allegedly stabbed Cyndell Rodriguez during an altercation.

August 24, 2021

1 minute to read

17-year-old charged with murder in 19-year-old woman’s death

The 17-year-old accused of stabbing a 19-year-old woman to death in Chelsea was ordered held without bail during her arraignment.

Ava Najafi is being charged with murder in the death of Cyndell Rodriguez. State law allows teenagers 14 and up who are charged with murder to be charged as adults. She could face life in prison with the possibility of parole, if convicted, the Suffolk district attorney’s office said in a press release.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, authorities believe that two groups were involved in an altercation near 50 Garfield Ave. Najafi allegedly stabbed the victim; Rodriguez was found with knife wounds to her chest and throat when police arrived, authorities said. She was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital where she died. A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for her funeral expenses.

During the arraignment, Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said that while the case is still under investigation, authorities believe the altercation was sparked by social media, according to The Boston Globe. Authorities are also continuing to investigate alleged shots fired at the scene.

Najafi is due back in court on Oct. 22, according to officials.