Fall River man charged with fatally stabbing cousin, pleads guilty

FALL RIVER, MASS. (WLNE)- A Fall River man who stabbed his cousin to death three years ago pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and other criminal offenses last week, according to officials.

Michael Holloway, 19, was sentenced to serve 10 to 12.5 years in state prison for the stabbing on February 13, 2019.

In addition to the charge of manslaughter, the suspect pled guilty to indictments charging with assault and battery, and armed robbery.

“This was a terrible tragedy involving two cousins who has a close relationship. The spontaneous act of violence that resulted in the victim’s death highlights the poor decision making of a teenage boy.  I hope the families of both boys can find some solace in the fair resolution of this case,” says Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn.

When police arrived at a Fountain Street residence, they found 17-year-old William Wheeler Jr. suffering from a stab wound to his nose and stomach.

The DA’s office says at some point during the evening Wheeler and Holloway got into a fight over a pillow and blanket, which led to the victim being stabbed in the nose.

Wheeler then attempted to leave with a backpack from a robbery that him and the suspect committed earlier that day.

As a result of the dispute, Wheeler was stabbed in the stomach, says the DA’s office.

Wheeler was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect fled the scene, but was arrested the day after at a relative’s house in Rhode Island.