Man arrested in South Boston woman's death

BOSTON (WHDH) -- A South Boston man was arrested in the killing of a South Boston woman on April 16.

Timothy Kostka, 26, is being charged in the death of 67-year-old Barbara Coyne. Coyne was stabbed to death in her own home and found by her son on Monday morning with a wound to her neck.

“I’m just so happy that they got them,” said Pearl Baika, the victim’s friend. “I’m just so happy for Barbara and her family that they have someone.”

Less than a week after Coyne’s death, police arrested Kostka at his home.

Several neighbors, who didn't want to be identified, said they were shocked that Kostka was arrested on murder charges. Another woman said the man has been in and out of rehab for a substance abuse problem.

7News learned police linked the suspect to the crime after he was arrested for breaking into a home in the South End/ Back Bay area over the weekend. Forensic evidence was gathered there -- DNA according to a police source -- matched with DNA collected at the Coyne’s home in South Boston.

The victim’s family released a statement on Sunday saying, “Barbara Coyne was a beautiful, compassionate, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be sorely missed but never forgotten.”

Kostka will be arraigned Monday in South Boston District Court.