A Monticello man is dead and his girlfriend in custody followinga weekend stabbing, officials said.

Christopher Jefferson, 37, of 172 Oak Grove Road, Monticello,died Saturday at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center inMcComb, said Lawrence County Coroner Sidney Fortenberry.

His girlfriend, Tomeka Jordan, 28, of the same address, is incustody at the Lawrence County Jail, said Lawrence County Sheriff’sDepartment investigator Ray Smith. Jordan was arrested on a chargeof aggravated assault in the incident, but Smith indicated thecharge may be increased to manslaughter or murder followingJefferson’s death.

The couple were at home when the stabbing occurred around noonSaturday, Smith said.

“It developed from a domestic dispute between the two,” hesaid.

At some point, Jordan allegedly stabbed Jefferson one time witha steak knife, Smith said.

The blade struck Jefferson in the upper abdomen or lower chestarea and penetrated his liver, Fortenberry said.

Jefferson was transported to the Lawrence County Hospitalemergency room before being transferred to SMRMC, where heunderwent immediate surgery for a lacerated liver. He died in theintensive care unit around 6 p.m. following the surgery, thecoroner said.

The State Medical Office will perform an autopsy, Fortenberrysaid. Preliminary results are expected to be returned late Tuesdayafternoon.