Monessen woman arrested for attempted homicide
Monessen police charged a woman Friday with attempted homicide in connection with a stabbing last week.
Raynelle Ida Mays, 48, of Monessen, also faces felony charges of aggravated assault.
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the parking lot of the Family Dollar at 2 Eastgate Ave. just before 8:30 p.m. Sept. 17 for reports of a large fight. However, nobody was there when police arrived.
Mays contacted 911 shortly after to say that she and her son were assaulted by Nikkia Jones. According to the complaint, Mays had blood on one of her pant legs, and she told police it was her own.
While speaking with Mays, police learned that Jones was being treated for stab wounds at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital.
Police said Jones’ brother drove her from the parking lot to the hospital. She was flown by helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh due to the severity of her injuries. She suffered a punctured lung cavity and was in stable condition Friday, court documents state.
Court records do not list an age or residence for Jones.
Witnesses told police that Mays and Jones met at the parking lot to have a discussion after arguments occurred between their families on social media.
According to the complaint, a fight broke out and Mays stabbed Jones twice in the ribs.
Mays was arraigned Friday afternoon before District Judge Wayne Vlasic and released from custody after posting a portion of her $20,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 6.