Worcester woman pleads guilty to killing boyfriend

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) -- A Worcester woman has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for fatally stabbing her longtime boyfriend during an alcohol-fueled fight in the apartment they shared.

Shirley Sanabria was sentenced Tuesday in Worcester Superior Court to up to nine years in state prison for the January 2011 stabbing death of Joseph Scott.

The 46-year-old Sanabria had faced a murder charge but reached a deal with prosecutors to plead to the lesser manslaughter charge.

Prosecutors say Sanabria and the 45-year-old Scott were "severely intoxicated" when they got into a confrontation during the early morning hours and Sanabria stabbed Scott in the chest. Witnesses say she also did not immediately call for medical help.

The Telegram & Gazette reported that Sanabria's attorney said she was remorseful and never intended to kill Scott.