Suspect in stabbing death of Long Island mom arraigned

FARMINGVILLE (WABC) -- The man accused of killing a mother of two on Long Island was arraigned Tuesday and ordered held without bail.

Authorities arrested 34-year-old Charles Pray for the death of 36-year old Monica Lino, whose body was found inside her Long Island home. He is charged with second-degree murder.

Lino's nephew found her at her home on Berkshire Drive in Farmingville just after 3 p.m. Sunday.

Suffolk County Police say that the victim was stabbed to death.

In court Tuesday, the defense attorney claimed that Pray has knife wounds about his arms and hands and says his client was attacked by the victim.

He refused to elaborate on the circumstances but insinuated that there was some sort of violent altercation.

When asked by Eyewitness News why Pray didn't call police, the attorney, Steven Politi, answered, "How do you know he didn't?" He says he believes Pray may have attempted to contact authorities and went to a hospital for treatment.

The prosecution claims Pray murdered Lino early Sunday morning and fled in her car, then later stole another car before he was apprehended, under the influence of unspecified narcotics.

Lino has two children, ages 9 and 12, who are currently in Portugal with their grandmother.

Lino's aunt had just returned from overseas and asked her to have dinner Saturday night, but the woman declined, saying she had plans with a new friend.

Neighbors say Lino was living alone while her two children were away. Her vehicle was also missing from the driveway and was found about 30 miles away.

There were two tenants living in the basement apartment of the home, but they were not there at the time and are not considered to be suspects.

Police believe no one else was home at the time of the murder.

The family has experienced tragedy before. Three years ago, Lino's husband committed suicide.

Police say that the victim and the suspect knew each other although they are not yet saying how. Police have not yet disclosed any information about a possible motive.