Mom Charged With Murder After Stabbing Son, 7: Passaic Prosecutor

PATERSON, NJ — A Paterson mother has been charged with murder after the stabbing death of her 7-year-old and the assault of his older brother, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Iris Tolentino, 46, stabbed the young boy to death numerous times, officials said.

Paterson Police was called to the family home, at North 6th Street, 7:04 a.m. on Saturday and found that the oldest son, a 17-year-old, also had a stab wound to his upper arm.

The other brother, 15, had no injuries. The boys were taken St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, but the youngest was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The sons struggled with their mom, trying to contain her and eventually managing to put her inside a bathroom, authorities said.

When the cops arrived, the 17-year-old was holding the bathroom door closed. Tolentino also tried to resist arrest, causing two officers to suffer minor injuries, officials said.

Tolentino was taken to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for a mental health screening.

She was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and endangering the welfare of a child, among other charges.

She faces a minimum of 30 years and up to a life sentence for the murder charge.