Woman Charged With Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Fiance

A new bail has been set for a Worcester, Massachusetts, woman charged with fatally stabbing her fiance last year.

Stephanie Fernandes was initially charged with manslaughter and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the stabbing death of Andrew Wagner. She is now facing the assault charge and murder.

Telegram & Gazette reports a judge set $100,000 bail for 32-year-old Fernandes at a Tuesday hearing in Worcester Superior Court.

Authorities say the stabbing occurred during an argument between the couple at their home. Fernandes told police Wagner had choked her and held a gun to her head.

Prosecutors say police initially believed Fernandes was acting in self-defense, but further investigation has shown otherwise.

Her lawyer described Fernandes as a "battered woman" and maintained she was defending herself.