PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) — A Pittsfield man was arrested Thursday on a murder warrant. Pittsfield Police say Josiah Helmer, 27, fatally stabbed a victim on Tuesday, September 12, on Melville Street.

Helmer was booked at the Pittsfield Police Department. He pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges in Central Berkshire District Court.

Investigators said the stabbing started as a dispute at a nearby Cumberland Farms between two people who knew each other. It soon escalated into a violent attack.

“The defendant in this case, Mr. Helmer, began to follow an individual,” Berkshire County DA Timothy Shugrue said. “He had a beef with him in the past. We believe he owed him $20.”

The victim’s name has not been released, yet. A memorial with flowers and candles was set up at the sight of the stabbing.

Helmer was sent to jail without bail. He’s due back in court in October.

Police are still seeking information. People are asked to contact Detective Goodrich at (413) 448-9706 or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).