By: Richard L. Smith
A Middlesex County jury has convicted a 48-year-old Edison man of murder and several other serious offenses stemming from a violent home invasion in South Plainfield that left one man dead and a woman injured.
According to information released by Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera, Pablo Cicero was found guilty on October 7, 2026, following a four-week trial in connection with the May 19, 2025, killing of Brandon Andrews-Cruz, 38, of Raritan.
Prosecutors said evidence presented during the trial established that Cicero entered a residence on Tooz Place in South Plainfield, where he fatally stabbed Andrews-Cruz and also stabbed a 32-year-old female resident.
The woman survived the attack and was transported to a hospital for treatment before being released.
The trial began September 15, 2026, with Middlesex County Prosecutor Section Chief Katie Magee and Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Battey Jr. presenting evidence and witness testimony.
In addition to murder, Cicero was convicted of attempted murder, home invasion burglary, two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
The verdict followed approximately four weeks of testimony and proceedings.
Sentencing information was not included in the prosecutor’s announcement.