Woman killed, suspect shot and arrested in Billings

BILLINGS – Robert Mascarena was arrested Friday in Billings on suspicion of stabbing and killing a 55-year-old woman, according to Billings police.

Mascarena, 38, was injured after a Yellowstone County officer shot him as he rushed to the incident in the 800 block of Bench Boulevard around 9:30 p.m.

Billings Police Lt. Matt Lennick said in a news release that Mascarena’s injuries were “not serious.”

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a disturbance in a residence. According to Lennick, they attempted to break in. That’s when the officer fired.

Mascarena initially tried to barricade himself in a room of the apartment building and then escape through a window when he was caught, Lennick said.

The woman died at the scene of the accident; her name has not yet been released.

There is currently no information about the relationship between Mascarena and the woman – if one exists at all.

Mascarena was booked into the Yellowstone County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder.

The press release did not indicate whether the officer who fired the weapon was placed on paid administrative leave.

Billings Police, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s officers, Billings Fire Department and AMR Ambulance responded to the incident.

We will inform you as soon as we receive further information.