Brother Arrested After 'Horrific Screams' Heard from Apartment, and Then Sister Is Found Dead By Samira Asma-Sadeque

A Massachusetts man was arrested after a neighbor heard chilling screams from his father’s apartment — where his sister was later found dead.

The victim has been identified as Michelle Knox in several news outlets and by her friends and family on social media.

The suspect, Joshua Smith, has been arrested in connection with the Sunday, Sept. 7 killing in Lynn, Mass., according to prosecutors, Boston 25, NBC Boston and CBS News reported.

A neighbor told Boston 25 about the seemingly terrifying circumstances.

“It was like horrific screams like somebody got stabbed or something,” Emilio Gonzales told the outlet immediately after the killing.

Smith’s own statements raised alarm bells for investigators, prosecutors alleged at his arraignment on Monday, per Boston 25, NBC Boston and CBS News.

Prosecutor Stefanie Stanbro said when officers arrived at the scene, Smith was outside the residence “making numerous and inculpatory statements about killing his sister,” Boston 25 reported.

Knox is being mourned by her friends and family.

“Michelle I love you so much you did not deserve this you were so special MY FIRST Born!! This is so hard I’m going crazy thinking I can’t yell at you lecture you,” wrote her mother Carleen Knox on Facebook. “R.I.P I’m fighting for you justice will be served for you.”

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Smith has been charged with murder in connection with Knox’s killing, as stated in his arraignment, Boston 25, NBC Boston and CBS reported.

He is also charged with kidnapping, according to prosecutors, CBS News and Boston 25 reported.

Prosecutors have not disclosed Smith’s alleged motive.

Smith’s lawyer told Boston 25 that the situation is a “hardship for everyone.”

“Every one of these cases is a difficult situation. No matter if someone is guilty or not guilty,” Defense Attorney Michael Phelan said. “It’s still, we have an individual who’s passed away and it’s very, very sad for not just someone is gone, it also impacts their family.”

Phelan did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comments.

Smith entered pleas of not guilty at the arraignment, CBS News and NBC Boston reported.