New Bedford Man Sentenced 12-15 Years Stabbing, Stalking Ex-Girlfriend in Dartmouth

Ryan Veenstra, a New Bedford man with a long criminal history including child assault and multiple restraining orders, was sentenced to 12 to 15 years in state prison for stabbing his former girlfriend in Dartmouth in October 2022. The victim initially concealed the identity of her attacker, but later revealed that Veenstra, who was intoxicated and wearing brass knuckles with an attached blade, stabbed her in the neck after accusing her of stealing his phone. She suffered permanent nerve damage, internal stitches, and external staples from the attack. Following the stabbing, Veenstra stalked and threatened the victim with numerous calls and texts over three months. He was convicted by a jury in August 2025 and arrested in January 2024 after the victim came forward while living in a domestic violence shelter. The case highlights ongoing issues of domestic violence and the challenges victims face in reporting abuse.