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Bronx DA announces indictment of man for girlfriend’s death after cover-up attempt

The indictment says Battalas is accused of striking 30-year-old Anthonella Contreras multiple times in the face with a sharp object on Sept. 17 in Pelham Bay Park.

Zoe Cosgrove

Oct 29, 2025, 11:10 PM

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Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced the indictment of a man for his girlfriend’s death after he lied to police, stating they were attacked during a robbery.

DA Clark said that 44-year old Franklin Battalas "allegedly stabbed his girlfriend and tried to cover it up with a phony story about robbers attacking them. Video surveillance footage and other evidence refuted his claim. He now faces justice for this vicious crime."

The indictment says Battalas is accused of striking 30-year-old Anthonella Contreras multiple times in the face with a sharp object on Sept. 17 in Pelham Bay Park.

He drove Contreras to the hospital after the attack, where she died.

Battalas is charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. He is due back in court on Jan. 14.

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