A New Jersey man is accused of stabbing his fiancée to death, just hours after posting a video of his public proposal and professing his love to her.
Videos by Suggest
On Monday, December 30, 2024, at around 9:12 a.m. local time, Elizabeth Police officers responded to a reported stabbing at a residence on Florida Street, according to a news release issued by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, Jan. 2.
“Upon their arrival, they located Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, age 31 of Elizabeth, who was found dead at the scene,” the release added.
Jose Melo, 52, has been formally charged with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
In 2010, Melo was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual contact after threatening a woman with a box cutter and sexually assaulting her, according to state sex offender registry records. Prosecutors have stated that authorities are still investigating the motive behind the slaying.
According to Fox 5 New York, Melo and the victim were engaged to be married.
A video shared on Melo’s Facebook page, seemingly recorded on Dec. 29, appears to capture the moment he proposed. Cheers erupted from the bar crowd as Melo revealed the ring box and got down on one knee to propose. It’s unclear how long the couple has been together.
“I love you, baby,” Melo wrote alongside the footage. He also tagged what seemed to be Trinidad Maldonado’s Facebook profile.
A GoFundMe has Been Established for the Victim Stabbed to Death by Her Fiancée
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page was created by the victim’s aunt, Yolanda De. She described how Trinidad Maldonado was “senselessly taken from us” in what she called “an act of evil.”
“This horrible act by someone she trusted. [It] left her two children without either parent and with very little options for their future,” the description added.
“I am also doing all I can to ensure her young daughters are safe,” the victim’s aunt continued. She also expressed that her “heart breaks” as she shared the news.
On Jan. 3, Trinidad Maldonado’s aunt expressed gratitude to the public for their support. She also provided reassurance that the victim’s children were safe and being cared for by family. Trinidad Maldonado’s aunt added that “permanent arrangements are being worked out” to ensure their well-being.
According to the GoFundMe page, the victim’s funeral will take place in Florida. Meanwhile, her final resting place will be in her hometown in Puerto Rico.
As of this writing, the page has garnered over $27,000 toward its $35,000 goal.