An Erie man has been arrested for fatally stabbing his ex-fiancée during an argument, according to police.

Joel Barnett, 40, was arraigned on charges including homicide, first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and simple assault.

Barnett called 911 about 12:20 a.m. Thursday and said he stabbed a woman with a 13-inch curved kitchen knife, according to investigators. It happened at a residence in the 700 block of E. 9th St. near Wayne St. in the City of Erie.

When police arrested him, Barnett said, "It's all me," and told police the victim was laying on the floor inside the home and the knife he used was on a nearby freezer, the criminal complaint detailing the charges said. 

Police said they found the victim - identified as Michelle Hanson, 40 - unresponsive with apparent stab wounds to her body. She was then taken to UPMC Hamot but died from the stab wounds, according to investigators.

Barnett continued to make statements regarding the incident after he was taken to the police station, the criminal complaint said. He told investigators Hanson was his ex-fiancée and a former intimate partner, but they both lived together. Barnett said he had been arguing with Hanson throughout the evening, took control of the knife and repeatedly thrust the weapon into Hanson, according to police.

Hanson suffered about five severe stab wounds to the abdomen, and there appeared to be apparent defensive wounds on her left wrist and elbow, investigators said. She also had bruising to the right side of her torso.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook ruled her death as a homicide following an autopsy Thursday. She died from multiple stab wounds to the abdomen, Cook said.

Barnett is behind bars in the Erie County Prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25.