Fall River woman sentenced to 10-12 years in prison in Brockton road-rage killing

BROCKTON – A Fall River woman has been sentenced to serve 10 to 12 years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter in the 2019 road-rage killing of a Brockton woman.

Jacqueline Mendes, 36, was sentenced by a judge in Brockton Superior Court last Thursday to 10 to 12 years in state prison. On Dec. 8, a jury found Mendes guilty of one count each of manslaughter and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Mendes had been charged with first-degree murder in the June 28, 2019, slaying of Jennifer Landry, but the jury returned a lesser offense of manslaughter after two days of deliberations.

Last week, the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office asked the judge to sentence Mendes to 13 to 17 years in prison.

More:Fall River's Jacqueline Mendes found guilty of manslaughter in Brockton road-rage killing

The incident occurred near 276 Belmont St. in the afternoon on June 28, 2019.

Brockton police received multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing near Belmont Street's intersection with Grafton Street.

When first responders arrived, they found Landry bleeding profusely and suffering from a stab wound to the right side of her neck. She was hospitalized in Boston, where she died the next day.

Mendes reported the incident to Brockton police by showing up at the police station about 15 minutes later. She said she had been in an altercation with a motorist and that a stabbing may have occurred.

During the two-week trial, prosecutors and Mendes' defense lawyer put on evidence that the conflict began when Landry and Mendes nearly collided on Leavitt Street. Landry drove away. Mendes followed. According to the defense, Landry braked several times on Grafton Street, trying to trick Mendes into rear-ending her car.

Landry and Mendes exited their cars at Grafton and Belmont streets. Both women had folding knives, but evidence conflicted about whether Landry ever opened her knife. It was found, with the blade closed, covered in Landry's blood, in the crosswalk.

At trial, much of the case hinged on a 10-second video captured by a bystander that showed Landry pushing Mendes against Mendes' rental car. Mendes has her hands at her sides before she raises her hand to Landry's neck. Landry begins bleeding profusely.

Enterprise staff writer Chris Helms contributed to this report. Enterprise senior reporter Cody Shepard can be reached by email at cshepard@enterprisenews.com.