NJ Woman Fatally Stabbed In Colorado, Funds Needed To Bring Her Home

FLEMINGTON, NJ — Cali Federico, 28, described as a beautiful, spirited young woman, was on an adventure with her dog Gaia in Colorado. She was supposed to be heading back home to New Jersey. However, two days before her flight, she was fatally stabbed.

Federico, who was originally from Bucks County, PA, and most recently lived in Flemington, had left New Jersey in March to explore Colorado in hopes of selling her art and making new friends, according to a GoFundMe set up for her family.

On Easter Sunday, April 20, Wheat Ridge police officers in Colorado went to the 3900 block of Sheridan Boulevard at 3:27 p.m. for a stabbing.

Witnesses told officers two women were fighting in the area, and one woman stabbed the other, according to Wheat Ridge Police Department.

The victim, identified as Frederico, was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased, confirmed the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office to Patch.

The suspect was identified as 47-year-old Imani Tate. Police are recommending charges for second-degree murder and a protection order violation to the First Judicial DA's Office of Colorado.

Cali was getting ready to spend the night at a hotel before her flight home. While she was removing valuables from her car, packing up her dog, and the rest of their things "her life was violently taken from her," according to the GoFundMe.

"Her plans to reunite with her family were ripped away," according to the GoFundMe. "Her life was taken way too soon. She was protecting her possessions, and it got her killed. Cali's death has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Our world has been shattered, and our family will forever have a missing piece."

The GoFundMe is looking to raise $18,000 to help her "family get Cali home to her final resting place, bring her dog Gaia home, and ensure the perpetrator of this vicious crime gets the justice they deserve."

Funds will also be used to make a donation to the local shelter in Colorado that so took care of Gaia, and create an art scholarship at Hunterdon Central Regional High School, honoring Cali, which will be given to a recipient who shares her love of art.

For more information or to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/Justice-For-Cali-Federico.

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