Friday’s stabbing in Billings ends in murder

On the evening of June 28, 2024, a fatal stabbing occurred in a residential area in Billings. In response to an urgent 911 call at 9:34 p.m., Billings Police and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the 800 block of Bench Boulevard.

Sheriff’s officers were the first to arrive and heard sounds of a violent disturbance inside the house. As they went inside, one of the officers fired his weapon at the suspect, who only sustained minor injuries.

A chaotic scene.

The situation escalated as additional officers and deputies arrived. The suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Robert Mascarena, initially attempted to barricade himself in a room before attempting to escape through a window. However, he was quickly apprehended by officers stationed outside.

Authorities discovered a 55-year-old female victim inside the home. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Mascarena was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder. She is now in custody at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility.

Billings Police would like to thank the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, Billings Fire Department and AMR for their quick response during this horrific incident.