Man Dies From Wounds Stemming from Memorial Day Weekend Stabbing

Matthew S. Sabatino, left. (Courtesy photograph.)

The 28-year-old Lawrence man, who was stabbed Memorial Day weekend in downtown Haverhill trying to break up a fight, has died.

Matthew Sabatino died overnight, according to Carrie Kimball-Monahan, spokesperson for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett, Sabatino was allegedly stabbed in the chest by Hayden Delafuente, 21. Charges against Delafuente, which include two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, will now be upgraded to murder, she said.

“Last night, my family and I had to say goodbye to my baby brother. He put up a hell of a fight, but in the end, despite incredible effort by doctors and nurses, his body had just had enough,” wrote family members on a GoFundMe page this morning. “There are no words to describe the pain we are all feeling. Matty is leaving behind family who love him dearly, friends who regard him as a legend, babies he won’t get to see grow up and a fiancée who loves him fiercely.”

Sabatino suffered heart and lung injuries while trying to help during a fight at about 1:30 a.m., Sunday, May 28, in front of 77 Washington St. He had been at a Boston hospital since the stabbing. Sabatino is engaged and a father of two.

3 thoughts on “Man Dies From Wounds Stemming from Memorial Day Weekend Stabbing

  1. Our prayers to the family. The violence lately in the city is an indication of what is coming. The city leaders had better get their heads out of their rear ends and pay attention to what is going on around them. Far too long city leaders have been ignoring the warnings. The children among us are suffering and need attention and help to keep them off of the streets.

  2. So sad to hear this terrible news. My condolences to the family.
    A suggestion, close all liquor establishments at 12;30 AM on the weekends. This might help to keep monsters off of our streets . Lots of families living downtown and they need to be protected from this type of violence.

    • I disagree Mr Edwards that closing early will stem “this type of violence”. The other murder in Bradford had nothing to do with the time or establishment. People are more violent today than ever before it seems. Time constraints will make no difference.