Updated: Mattapoisett woman allegedly kicked, stomped New Bedford man in homicide

NEW BEDFORD — A Mattapoisett woman has been arrested after allegedly stomping on the head of a man who later died near a New Bedford supermarket early Tuesday morning.

Nina Busnengo, 31, was charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and unarmed robbery Aug. 20.

The charges came after a New Bedford man, Stephen Oswald, died in front of Seabra Foods at 41 Rockdale Ave. just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.

Busnengo told investigators she kicked Oswald in the head multiple times and stomped him, upon becoming aggravated that Oswald was sleeping with her blanket behind a car wash, according to a statement of facts in support of the criminal complaint. 

First responders found Oswald, 58, suffering from a head laceration, court records said.

After being located Tuesday morning, Busnengo, whose listed address is in Mattapoisett, said she stayed at the car wash — located near Seabra Foods where Oswald was found — Sunday night and left her belongings there, court records said.

Upon returning Monday evening, she said she found Oswald sleeping with her blanket and kicked him in the head twice, then took the blanket and left, according to court records. 

Busnengo also later said she grabbed the blanket, became mad, stepped on Oswald’s head and stared at him, then left, court records said.

Investigators found a pool of red stains near a building adjacent to the car wash and a trail of red stains from behind the car wash to where Oswald was found by Seabra Foods, according to court records.

Oswald had his hands around his head when Busnengo kicked him and did not try to hurt her, she said according to court records.

Busnengo also said she took Oswald’s phone, according to court records. 

She pleaded not guilty Aug. 21 to the charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unarmed robbery.

Busnengo was ordered to be held without bail and will have a detention hearing Thursday, Aug. 29.

The investigation into the homicide is active and ongoing, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.