Lyft driver charged in Christmas night stabbing of Boston woman

BOSTON  — A driver for ride-hailing service Lyft has been held on $15,000 bail after pleading not guilty to stabbing another woman during a dispute over how many passengers she would transport. 

Kiona Thomas, of Boston, was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of assault with intent to murder in connection with the Christmas night stabbing.

Police say Thomas, 25, was picking up a customer in the city’s Dorchester neighborhood at about 11:15 p.m. Sunday, but became upset because of a miscommunication about the number of passengers.

When the customer’s 21-year-old sister-in-law came outside, prosecutors say there was an argument and she was stabbed in the neck.

Thomas turned herself in on Monday.

Her lawyer called it a case of self-defense, but a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Lauren Hatch said in court Tuesday that Thomas elevated the dispute.

“The incredible level of violence here from a stranger over what seemed to be a disagreement for a ride share service is incredibly concerning,” Hatch said, according to CBS Boston.  

Lyft said in a statement it is “deeply troubled” by the allegations and will work with police.

f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.