SELMA – The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in a fatal stabbing. Around 11:44am Thursday, deputies responded to the intersection of Highway 39 and Little Divine Road, north of Selma, for a reported assault.
Deputies located 40 year-old Maria Frias McCann of Lake Wendell Road, Zebulon suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was rushed by EMS to Wake Med in Raleigh where she later died as a result of her injuries.
Authorities said 20 year-old Cody Austin Klein, also of Lake Wendell Road, was one of several individuals at the intersection with McCann.
Through an investigation, Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Caldwell said it was determined Klein had gotten into an argument with McCann, which turned physical, resulting in the victim being stabbed numerous times.
Cody Klein was taken into custody on Thursday and initially charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. After McCann’s death, the charge was upgraded to first degree murder.
Klein is being held in the Johnston County Detention Center without bond.
Authorities said McCann was the ex-girlfriend of Klein’s father.
