Dartmouth man charged with killing girlfriend in Chelsea

A North Dartmouth man was ordered held without bail May 9 in Chelsea District Court after being charged with the stabbing death of a Chelsea woman at an apartment in that city the day before, on Monday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced. 

Angel T. Alvarez, 65, is charged with murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Judge Christopher Henry ordered Alvarez held without bail. Alvarez will return to court June 12 for a probable cause hearing.

At about 9:56 a.m. on May 8, Chelsea police responded to a call at 44 Lafayette Ave. in Chelsea and found Margarita Morehead, 59, unresponsive, in a pool of blood, Assistant District Attorney Erin Murphy said.

Officers noted Morehead had suffered several stab wounds, the district attorney said. Morehead was pronounced dead at Cambridge Health Alliance in Everett.

Investigators learned that the victim was dating a man later identified as Alvarez, Hayden’s office said. 

Investigators located Alvarez’s vehicle, unoccupied, at the intersection of Addison and Eden streets in Chelsea, the district attorney said. From outside the vehicle, the district attorney reported, investigators observed brown stains on the interior and exterior which appeared to be blood.

Later in the evening, Alvarez contacted Chelsea Dispatch to request medical attention and said he wanted to turn himself into police custody, the district attorney said. Massachusetts state troopers along with Chelsea Police officers located Alvarez and placed him into custody. He was transported to the Chelsea Police Department for booking.

During a recorded interview at Chelsea Police Department, Alvarez reportedly admitted to investigators that he had stabbed his girlfriend, Morehead, multiple times after she attempted to end the relationship, the district attorney said.

Morehead was described by her son Moises Morin-Martinez as a “beacon of light in her community and a pillar of strength for her large family.’’

He is sponsoring a GoFundMe account to raise money for memorial services in Massachusetts and transportation costs so she can be buried with family members in  La Romana in the Dominican Republic.

“When our mother woke up on May 8th, 2023, she thanked God for another day on earth with her loved ones, near and far. Then she was taken away from us by an act of selfish, senseless violence that we will never forget. It has left her family and friends in shock, grief and unimaginable pain.’’

He urged people to “give thanks for the health and safety of your family and friends every day. Tell them you love them. ‘’

Hayden expressed support for her family. “Instead of dealing with the reality of an ended relationship with restraint and dignity, this man chose a shocking act of violence that ended Margarita Morehead’s life and ushered in eternal grief for her family, friends and relatives. They will receive all the support they need from our office as this case moves forward,” Hayden said.