Home Invader Raped Woman At Knifepoint, Tried To Kill Her, Prosecutors Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A man accused of sexually assaulting and attempting to kill a Passaic County woman has been caught after a months-long investigation, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

Jesus Mora Cruz, 27, from Paterson, was arrested last week for crimes committed against a Paterson woman more than four months ago.

On March 26, officers from the Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office responded to a call of a home invasion.

The victim told police that she awoke to a stranger lying on top of her with a knife to her throat. The man, later identified as Cruz, proceeded to sexually assault her, police said.

The man also stabbed the woman several times before stealing several items and exiting the residence. She was brought to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center with non-fatal wounds.

The investigation led police to Cruz, who was arrested without incident on July 24 by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Paterson Police Department.

Cruz is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual conduct, robbery, home invasion burglary, terroristic threats, and several weapons charges.

Cruz faces up to 80 years in prison if convicted of the attempted murder, robbery, and home invasion burglary charges alone.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case or other incidents regarding Cruz is asked to contact the prosecutor’s office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.