Police said Melgar and the victim were dating and living together. He told investigators his girlfriend had accused him of stealing her cell phone and had slapped and bit him when he did not return it to her.

Melgar stated he grew tired of his girlfriend's actions and retrieved a large kitchen knife from his cousin's apartment. He then stabbed the girlfriend multiple times in the chest and fled the scene.

About five hours later, Melgar was seen in the 100 block of Cottage where he was taken into custody without incident.