Man Faces Life in Prison After Girlfriend’s Death
A man from Massachusetts reportedly walked into a New Bedford emergency room in September with a knife covered in blood. He claimed a serial killer had fatally attacked his girlfriend. Now, he is facing a potential life sentence.
Tyler Bagrini, 32, has a history of mental health struggles and substance abuse, as noted by his attorney. Reports indicate that he underwent what was described as an “episode” on September 20, prompting his girlfriend to encourage him to seek help.
Bagrini’s girlfriend, Kelly Fidalgo, 31, sent him a text that morning saying, “Tyler, let’s talk later. After I check you out. I need help. I need to get better. I’m having a seizure and I’m paranoid. Everything’s okay, but I need help. I love you. I care about you. Please.”
He responded with a troubling message: “Goodbye, I really loved you. I forgive you. It’s time to go to hell. You were the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Later, Bagrini arrived at St. Luke’s Hospital around 12:39 p.m., where he used a public phone to contact his parents and girlfriend. He told them he was trying to address his mental health problems, but he left the hospital just 14 minutes later without assistance.
Prosecutors allege that he sent Fidalgo a photo of the bloody knife later in the day, around 3:40 p.m. That afternoon, he entered the emergency room again, still clutching the knife, and insisted that a serial killer was responsible for attacking his girlfriend.
Evidence showed that the blade was indeed stained with blood, and Bagrini reported that the incident occurred at an apartment on Atlantic Avenue. Alarmingly, Fidalgo’s older sister, Kayla Whalen, was shocked when police visited to check on her sister’s welfare that day.
Whalen recounted how her grandmother began to panic and demand answers as she rushed to Fidalgo’s apartment, only to discover her sister lying motionless on the floor amid a pool of blood. This horrifying scene has left lasting scars on Whalen, who said she will never forget it.
“No one should ever have to find a loved one like that,” she expressed. “I froze in fear and screamed. My heart was racing, but I… I can’t move my legs.”
Despite her efforts to reach the police for help, Bagrini’s actions led to tragedy. Reports indicate that Fidalgo suffered 14 stab wounds, and investigators suggested that her injuries were consistent with a struggle.
Sadly, she was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Following this, Bagrini was arrested later that same day and charged with murder.
At a recent sentencing, Fidalgo’s mother confronted Bagrini about his actions, expressing her anger and grief. “I know the truth. I know how barbaric, how horrific, how violent his actions were,” she said, emphasizing her pain over losing her daughter and the future she deserved.
Bagrini’s attorney argued that his client’s struggles with mental health and substance abuse likely didn’t resonate with those in the courtroom. The judge, however, characterized him as a violent man, stating, “That’s why I didn’t let him hide in the corner.”
Ultimately, Bagrini pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison, with the chance of parole in 25 years.
Kelly’s youngest sister, Jazel, spoke fondly of her sibling, saying that Fidalgo had always been her support and source of strength, encouraging her to pursue her dreams.
