Man Pleads Guilty To Deadly Stabbing Of Fiancé In Union County

ELIZABETH, NJ — A 53-year-old man pleaded guilty to the deadly stabbing of his fiancé and a mother of two in Elizabeth in December 2024, the Union County Prosecutor's Office and Elizabeth Police said on Monday.

Jose Melo, of Elizabeth, pleaded guilty to one charge of first-degree aggravated manslaughter on Dec. 18. He will be sentenced on March 13, 2026.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, they will ask for a sentence of 28 years in New Jersey State Prison in accordance with the plea agreement and a requirement that he serve 85 percent before becoming eligible for parole.

At around 9:15 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2024, a 911 call reported a stabbing at a residence along Florida Street in Elizabeth.

Officers found Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, 31, of Elizabeth, dead at their home.

Melo was later detained and charged.

Just a day prior to the stabbing, he shared a video of his proposal to Maldonando on his Facebook page where he wrote "I love you baby Flaka Naky Bella."

Maldonado's aunt, Naket Trinidad, said her niece had no family in New Jersey. Trinidad organized a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and the needs of the two young daughters Maldonado left behind.

"While we hope this plea brings a sense of closure, our thoughts remain with Ms. Maldonado's loved ones," said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel.

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