LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A woman who authorities said fatally stabbed her boyfriend last week has been charged with murder.

Melinda Mildred Fred, 39, is being held on $1 million bail for the killing of 36-year-old Christopher Aaron Burrows.

Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a stabbing on Red Feather Lane in Lakeport at 4:40 a.m. May 16.

Deputies found Burrows lying on the ground with a single stab wound. Despite the efforts of deputies and paramedics, Burrows died of his injuries at the scene. Fred was arrested hours later.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff told Lake County News that the investigation so far has confirmed that Burrows was Fred’s boyfriend.

Hinchcliff said Fred has been charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.

As for the motive in the killing, “Right now it’s still speculation,” said Hinchcliff. “There’s still investigation going on.”

At her May 18 arraignment, Fred’s bail was set at $1 million and defense attorney Tom Quinn was appointed to represent her, Hinchcliff said.

Hinchcliff said Fred will appear in Lake County Superior Court’s Department 3 at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday for the appearance of counsel and entry of her plea.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.