By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Union County announced that an Elizabeth man pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his girlfriend in their home on December 30, 2024.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel stated that Jose Melo, 53, pled guilty to one count of first-degree aggravated manslaughter before Union County Superior Court Judge Candido Rodriguez, Jr. on Thursday, December 18th.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2026, UCPO officials say.
According to Union County officials, at that time, the Prosecutor's Office will ask for a sentence of 28 years in New Jersey State Prison, with a requirement that Melo serve 85% before becoming eligible for parole.
At approximately 9:12 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, Elizabeth Police Officers responded to a residence on Florida Street in response to a 911 call reporting a stabbing, Union County officials said.
Upon their arrival, UCPO authorities say they located the defendant’s girlfriend, Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, 31, of Elizabeth, who was found deceased.
Melo was subsequently detained and later charged, Union County officials said.