The suspect with tattoos, accused of fatally stabbing a woman in a brutal brawl outside Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal last month, was seen laughing in court on Monday, which led to a confrontation with the victim’s family.
Samaria Lopez showed a sinister grin and chuckled while pleading not guilty to second-degree murder in the attack that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Jordin Walston.
Surveillance footage captured Lopez, 22, lunging at Walston during a sidewalk altercation near West 40th Street and Eighth Avenue on June 11. Lopez then allegedly stabbed Walston twice in the chest, causing fatal injuries, and reportedly taunted her as she fought for her life.
Walston was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Lopez fled the scene and was apprehended by police three days later after attempting to change her contact information and addresses to evade capture.
Prior to the arraignment, the families of Lopez and Walston were separated in court due to a dispute over seating arrangements. Tensions escalated when Lopez entered the courtroom, smiling widely.
The smiling suspect, known for a distinctive neck tattoo, provoked a reaction from one of Walston’s relatives, who had to be removed from the courtroom.
“That nasty f–king b–ch,” the unidentified family member remarked upon seeing Lopez’s smile.
Another family member continued to make derogatory remarks towards Lopez as she was escorted out of the courtroom by court officers.
Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber warned against disruptive behavior before proceeding with Lopez’s arraignment, where she could face life imprisonment if convicted.
Despite the judge’s warning, another family member of the victim made a threatening comment towards Lopez’s family.
The families were eventually escorted out of the courtroom separately by court officials.
Lopez’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 22.
