Neary was stabbed inside Williams-Sanford’s apartment and collapsed in the second-floor hallway, a few feet from the door of the woman’s apartment, Clements said early this afternoon.

Detectives seized a knife with a five-inch blade while processing the crime scene, Clements said.

The police would not discuss a motive. Clements said the incident is not considered a domestic-related crime, meaning the two people were not involved in a relationship.

In court today, District Court Chief Judge Albert E. DeRobbio entered no plea on Williams-Sanford’s behalf, Healey said. Felonies cannot be adjudicated in District Court, so no plea is formally entered at this early stage in the court process.

The case was referred to the public defender’s office, Healey said. The next court date is set for next Monday, when an attorney will be assigned to the case. Williams-Sanford is not required to be in court for that hearing, Healey said.