Friday stabbing incident in Billings results in homicide

A residential neighborhood in Billings became the scene of a fatal stabbing on the evening of June 28, 2024. Responding to an emergency call at 9:34 p.m., the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office rushed to to the 800 block of Bench Boulevard.

Deputies from the sheriff's office arrived first to the sound of a violent disturbance within the home. As they went inside, a deputy fired his gun at the suspect, although he emerged with minor injuries from the encounter.

A chaotic scene.

The situation worsened with the arrival of additional officers and deputies. The suspect, later identified as Robert Mascarena, 38, first attempted to barricade himself in a room before attempting to escape through a window. However, officers stationed outside quickly apprehended him.

Inside the residence, authorities discovered a 55-year-old female victim. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Mascarena was later arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter and is currently in custody at the Yellowstone County Detention Center.

The Billings Police Department expressed its gratitude for the quick assistance of the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, Billings Fire Department and AMR during this heartbreaking incident.