A quiet night out turned into a nightmare when a Bronx man initially claimed his girlfriend was stabbed in a roadside ambush. What began as a story of survival has now spiraled into a murder investigation, with police revealing that the entire tale was fabricated. Franklin Batallas, 44, is now facing multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon, following the tragic death of Anthonella Contreras Linarez, 30. The case has shaken the Bronx community and left a grieving family searching for answers. A Twisted Story That Fell Apart.
The fatal incident occurred around 8 p.m. on September 15, 2025, near Park Drive and City Island Road in the Bronx. According to Batallas’ initial claim, he and Linarez were en route to dinner on City Island when Linarez needed to use the bathroom. Batallas said they pulled over near Rodman’s Neck to stop. At this point, Batallas told investigators, two men on a moped appeared with knives, attempted to rob Linarez, and began attacking her when she resisted. According to his story, the attackers then stabbed her, and Batallas ran off. He claimed he later returned to help, suffering a stab wound in the process. He then rushed Linarez to New Rochelle Montefiore Hospital, where she was sadly pronounced dead. Sources later revealed that Linarez had sustained severe stab wounds to her face, neck, and body. Batallas was treated for minor injuries and released soon after. However, investigators uncovered startling evidence that contradicted Batallas’ version of events.
No Moped, No Ambush, and No Attackers
In a shocking development, police say surveillance footage tells a very different story. According to the NYPD, Department of Transportation cameras show the couple driving to Seafood City at 6:15 p.m., with no signs of any moped or attackers following them. When questioned further, Batallas allegedly maintained that the men had been tailing them, claiming the attackers wore “dark-colored hoodies.” He even insisted that one attacker had entered the vehicle and began stabbing Linarez in the face while Batallas stood outside.
Despite his assertions, detectives found no evidence to support his version of events. As a result, Batallas was arraigned on Saturday in Manhattan Criminal Court and is currently being held without bail at Rikers Island. His attorney has declined to comment.
A Family’s Heartbreak and Unanswered Questions
The couple had reportedly been together for three years and were planning to meet a friend the night of the incident. Loved ones expressed shock, saying there had been no signs of tension or arguments between them. “He was like a brother-in-law to us,” said Mayker Contreras, Linarez’s grieving sibling. “This is such an emotional shock. I don’t know how to feel.”
She continued, “My sister was a wonderful person. She loved everyone. She was my little girl. She loved to travel, especially to the Dominican Republic. But her life was taken away too soon.”
The family insists that Batallas’ story doesn’t make sense. “The only question I have for him is: ‘What happened?’” said Contreras. “We just want the truth. I don’t trust anything he says.” Linarez’s LinkedIn profile revealed that she was a passionate, detail-oriented BSN RN experienced in acute rehab care and med-surg coverage. She described herself as “ready to thrive and grow in diverse healthcare environments.”
Tributes Pour in for a Life Cut Short
Following her tragic death, tributes to Linarez have flooded social media, with many expressing their love and admiration for her. One person wrote, “See you soon, dear friend and sister, from always and forever.”
Another shared, “Thank you for all the time we shared. I carry in my heart everything you gave me. Your memory will live forever.”
Others wrote, “Thank you for being part of my life and leaving such a beautiful mark. May you find peace in eternal rest, my baby girl. Rest in peace, my love.”
Linarez’s sudden death has left her family and friends devastated as they search for answers to a tragedy that shattered the image of the couple as a loving, stable partnership.
As the investigation continues, Franklin Batallas remains in custody without bail. Loved ones continue to mourn the loss of a woman remembered for her kindness, ambition, and the lasting impact she had on those around her.
