Kenia Noel, 38, was found dead inside a short-term rental apartment in Malden, Massachusetts, after her brother allegedly stabbed her to death. The disturbing discovery came after she had reportedly told family members that a friend had performed Voodoo on her and had complained of problems involving her throat. Now, her 43-year-old brother, Jean Eddie Noel, is facing a murder charge in connection with her death.
Police officers responded to an Airbnb apartment on Lombard Court on November 12 after receiving a report of a suicide. Kenia was found in a bedroom with knife wounds to her neck. A kitchen knife was reportedly in her hand, while a large serrated knife was found on a nearby table. Investigators also discovered another knife on the bedroom floor.
The bedroom contained several other items that caught investigators’ attention. A bloodied Bible and what appeared to be a homemade crucifix were found near Kenia’s body. Officers also reported finding kosher salt and cloves along the bedroom threshold. More salt was discovered on the bathroom vanity and the top of the toilet.
According to court documents, Kenia had been staying at the apartment since November 6. Another brother had rented the property, and Jean Eddie Noel told investigators that he had also been staying there with his sister.
Before her death, Kenia had reportedly spoken about concerns that a friend had recently performed Voodoo on her. She also complained about problems involving her throat. Her family had reportedly made plans for her to travel to Haiti with her brother in an effort to address those concerns.
Jean Eddie Noel later told investigators that his sister had been experiencing what he described as multiple episodes. He reportedly believed she was possessed by demons or Voodoo spirits and claimed he had been trying to help her. Those statements became an important part of the investigation into what happened inside the apartment.
At some point, Jean contacted another brother and asked him to come to the apartment. That brother drove over, but Kenia was already dead when he arrived, according to court documents. Police later documented blood stains in several parts of the apartment, including the kitchen, bathroom, hallway and bedroom.
Investigators also found blood evidence inside Jean’s vehicle and reported that he had wounds to his hands. Additional information released after his arrest indicated that he allegedly left the apartment to shower and attempted to clean up before officers arrived. These findings added to the evidence investigators were examining.
Jean Eddie Noel was arraigned Friday in Malden District Court on one count of murder. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and the judge ordered him held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on January 5, 2027.
For Kenia’s family, the case now centers on the unanswered questions surrounding her final hours and what led to her death inside the apartment. Her brother remains accused of murder and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.