He Stabbed Her 217 Times Because She Said She Was ‘Done.’ Now Her Mother Has a Message for the Killer
Bruce Maiben, 48, was convicted of first-degree murder on November 3, 2025, for killing 40-year-old Sherell Pringle, a mother from Woburn who was found dead in Rumney Marsh Reservation in Saugus two days after she went missing on December 19, 2021.
“She had been stabbed more than 217 times,” Boston 25 News reported — a level of violence prosecutors said showed extreme atrocity or cruelty under Massachusetts law.
“This verdict and sentence ensure the defendant will be held accountable for his senseless and atrocious conduct,” said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. “We hope the family and friends of Sherell Pringle can find some comfort in this outcome.”
Court records show Pringle texted a friend shortly before her death, saying she was “done with [Maiben]” after he had illegally entered her home and threatened her with a knife, according to Boston.com.
Those who knew Sherell described her as ambitious, joyful, and devoted to her teenage son. She loved traveling, shopping, and photography — and had just placed an offer on a new home that was approved days after her death.
At sentencing, her mother, Pearl Garner, faced Maiben in court. “You’re scum,” she said. “I hope you rot in hell for what you did. You don’t deserve to be walking here.”
