Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the identity of the 62-year-old homeless man stabbed to death by a makeshift home.
According to authorities, on July 13th, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Union City Police Officers received a report of an injured or possibly dead man in the area of 3rd Street and Manhattan Avenue in Union City.
Upon arrival, responding officers found a male victim by the makeshift homes near 3rd Street and Manhattan Avenue as reported.
The man, later identified as Edward Karl,
was unresponsive with multiple wounds to his upper torso.
Officials say he was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center at approximately 8:55 p.m.
The Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death to be sharp force wounds to the torso and manner of death to be homicide.
Following a preliminary investigation, Verdejo Cruz, 79, of Union City, who was located at the scene, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Manslaughter, Possession of a Weapon (Knife) for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Knife).
Officials says during today’s first appearance, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Leo Hernandez said the state has moved to detain Cruz until Thursday’s hearing before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale where it will be decided whether Cruz will remain jailed or released with conditions.
The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit continues to investigate this case with assistance from the Union City Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office website at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.