Murder charges filed in stabbing death at Pomona mental health facility

POMONA -- Prosecutors have filed murder charges against a resident of a mental health facility accused of stabbing another resident to death with a kitchen knife last week.

Nicole Ann Stewart, 33, allegedly killed Robin Ridgeway, 49, on Thursday after the Hamilton Villa residents argued over a man in whom both were romantically interested, said Jane Robison, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors filed murder charges against Stewart on Monday, and she was in custody Monday when she appeared in Pomona Superior Court for an arraignment hearing.

Stewart did not enter a plea during the hearing, which was postponed to Aug. 12. Bail was set for Stewart at $1 million.

Following an argument between the two women Thursday afternoon, Stewart retrieved a large kitchen knife and stabbed Ridgeway in the chest, according to authorities.

Ridgeway died after she was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Police said Stewart was arrested as she tried to leave the facility, located at 948 S. Hamilton Blvd.

The knife Stewart allegedly used in the incident was recovered at the scene, police said.

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