Plymouth County woman sentenced to prison for killing her husband – Fall River Reporter

PLYMOUTH – A Marshfield woman has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years for stabbing her husband, Michael Ricci Sr., to death, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz announced.

On August 2, 49-year-old Christine Ricci was found guilty by a Plymouth County jury of first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

On Thursday, Plymouth Superior Court Judge Diane Freniere sentenced Ricci to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 20 years. Ricci was sentenced to a term of not more than six and not less than six years and one day for assault with a dangerous weapon, to be served before the life sentence. The Commonwealth recommended that Ricci serve a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years. The Commonwealth recommended that Ricci serve a consecutive term of 8 to 10 years for assault with a dangerous weapon.

On January 28, 2021, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Marshfield Police received a 911 call regarding a medical emergency at a home on Moraine Street. Police and paramedics responded and performed life-saving measures before transporting the male victim to South Shore Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m. The victim was identified as 51-year-old Michael Ricci. Emergency room personnel reported that Michael Ricci had two stab wounds, one in the front left chest and another in the upper left rear shoulder.

Marshfield Police contacted Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office and began investigating. As a result of the investigation, detectives determined that the Riccis had a verbal altercation prior to the incident and Christine Ricci retrieved a knife and stabbed Michael Ricci in the heart and back. When emergency responders arrived at the home, they found a knife on the victim's foot.

“Michael Ricci Sr. was an Army veteran and proud member of the Boston Fire Department,” said DA Cruz. “However, his most important role was that of a caring father, son, sibling and friend to many. My thoughts today are with the Ricci family, torn apart by this tragic and senseless murder.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jeremy Beth Kusmin, Shanan Buckingham and Jason Herron and investigated by detectives from the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office and the Marshfield Police Department.