Malden, MA: Case continues for Malden man accused of poisoning and strangling his girlfriend

Malden —
A Malden man has been arraigned on charges in connection to allegedly poisoning and strangling his girlfriend, according to Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone.

Wilbert Gabriel, 35, of Malden, was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court on charges of assault to murder, attempted murder (two counts), and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (two counts). Middlesex Superior Court Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan held the defendant on $50,000 cash bail with the conditions that he has no contact with the victim or any witnesses.

His next court date is Dec. 9 for a pretrial conference.

According to authorities, on July 25, a neighbor called 911 after he heard a woman screaming for help from the apartment building located at 68 Washington St., Malden. Malden police and Cataldo Ambulance arrived to find the defendant lying on the floor vomiting blood in the hallway outside the victim’s apartment. The female victim, 30, was found in her apartment suffering injuries resulting from the defendant’s alleged attempts to poison and strangle her to death. The defendant and the victim were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for medical treatment.

Further investigation determined the defendant allegedly strangled the victim with a ligature, bit her on the face and back, and poured a toxic substance into her mouth after she had told him their relationship was over. It is alleged that the defendant then swallowed the same toxic substance. Both the victim and defendant were treated for life threatening burn injuries.

The defendant was arrested and arraigned on August 11 at Massachusetts General Hospital by Malden District Court Judge Lee Johnson and ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. He was indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on September 23.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Keeley. The victim witness advocate is Danielle DeMeo.