By: Richard L. Smith
An Elizabeth man will spend nearly three decades behind bars for the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend inside their home, authorities announced.
Jose Melo, 53, was sentenced to 28 years in state prison in Union County Superior Court for first-degree aggravated manslaughter.
Under New Jersey law, he must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The sentencing stems from a deadly incident that took place on the morning of December 30, 2024.
According to officials, Elizabeth police officers were dispatched to a residence on Florida Street at approximately 9:12 a.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they discovered 31-year-old Ms. Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado unresponsive inside the home. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities identified Melo as the suspect. He was taken into custody shortly after and later charged in connection with the killing.
Court records show he pleaded guilty to the charge on December 18, 2025.
Prosecutors said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
The case was handled by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office in partnership with the Elizabeth Police Department. Officials credited investigators and prosecutors for their work in securing the conviction and bringing the case to a close.