Not all marriages work out, and life can become extremely difficult and emotional once divorce proceedings begin. Police claim that just such a situation recently led to the sexual assault and murder of a woman in Bergen County.
Police arrested a New Milford man and charged him with the sexual assault and murder of his spouse. She was apparently estranged and had returned to Teaneck to complete the couple’s divorce proceedings. Police claim that the suspect was seen near the woman’s home around the time of her death.
Now the husband stands accused of assaulting and stabbing his wife before fleeing to Florida and purchasing a one-way ticket to his native Columbia. In all, he faces charges of murder, armed burglary, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, unlawful possession of a knife, hindering apprehension by concealing evidence and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
New Jersey residents know that murder and sexual assault charges are extremely serious, and when investigating these cases, it is important that police follow proper procedure. When police fail to follow the appropriate guidelines, an aggressive criminal defense may seek to cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims, and this could result in a reduction or even a dismissal of charges.
Because of the high emotions almost automatically associated with the news of such allegations, the “court of public opinion” is not a place to prosecute violent crimes. Each defendant in these cases must be presumed innocent unless or until the authorities prove otherwise, and the full burden of proof must be placed on the prosecution.
Source: NJ.com, “New Milford man indicted on murder, sexual assault charges in stabbing death of estranged wife,” Aug. 7, 2012
