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New Jersey Man Faces Murder Charges After Stabbing Fiancé One Day After Proposal
A New Jersey man, Jose Melo, has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of his 31-year-old fiancé, Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado. The stabbing occurred just one day after Melo publicly proposed to her at a nightclub.
What Happened Leading Up to the Stabbing?
Police responded to a call at Melo's home in Elizabeth at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, where they found Maldonado dead at the scene. While the motive for the stabbing remains unclear, the incident occurred shortly after Melo posted a video on social media of himself proposing to Maldonado at Bamboleo Night Club.
In the video, Melo can be seen getting down on one knee, expressing his love for Maldonado with the words, "Te amo," before placing a ring on her finger. The proposal appeared to surprise Maldonado, as she kissed him and embraced him as the crowd cheered.
The video was accompanied by the song Casata Conmigo (Marry Me) by Silvestre Dangond and Nicky Jam, making it a public and joyous moment for the couple. However, just hours later, Melo is accused of fatally stabbing Maldonado.
Jose Melo’s Criminal History
This is not Melo's first run-in with the law. In 2010, he was arrested for threatening a woman with a box cutter and sexually assaulting her, NJ 101.5 reports. As a result, he was required to register as a sex offender and is listed as a tier-two offender, indicating a moderate risk to the community.
Maldonado’s Family Reacts to Her Tragic Death
While the details of how Melo and Maldonado met and how long they had been dating remain unclear, an online fundraiser has provided more insight into Maldonado's life. Described as the mother of two daughters, Maldonado’s family has been devastated by her untimely death.
A GoFundMe campaign set up by her aunt reads, “Naky was senselessly taken from us on December 30. This horrible act by someone she trusted left her two children without either parent and with very little options for the future.”
The family has expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received, though they noted that the investigation and information regarding the homicide may take longer than usual.
Support for Maldonado’s Family and Funeral Arrangements
Maldonado’s daughters are reportedly safe and being cared for by family members, with long-term arrangements being made. The family has organized funeral services in both New Jersey and Florida, with plans to bury Maldonado in her home country of Puerto Rico.
As of Monday, the GoFundMe campaign had raised over $27,000, which will help cover funeral expenses and provide support for her children.
If you’d like to contribute to the support of Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado’s family, consider donating to the ongoing GoFundMe campaign. Stay updated with the latest on this case by visiting SavageRoyalT.com for breaking crime news.
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