A New Jersey man is facing murder charges after fatally stabbing his fiancée just 24 hours after posting a video of his surprise proposal on social media.
Jose Melo, 52, a registered sex offender, is accused of killing 31-year-old Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado on Monday, December 30, 2024. Officers from Elizabeth Police Department responded to a stabbing report at a home on Florida Street around 9:12 a.m. Upon arrival, they found Maldonado dead at the scene, according to a statement from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Proposal Captured on Video
The tragedy unfolded just a day after Melo shared a video on Facebook of him proposing to Maldonado at a bar. The video, set to the romantic song Cásate Conmigo by Silvestre Dangond and Nicky Jam, was captioned, “I love you baby Flaka Naky Bella,” and tagged Maldonado’s profile.
Charges Filed
Melo has been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, according to prosecutors.
Family Devastated by the Loss
A GoFundMe page created by the victim’s aunt, Yolanda De, describes the heartbreaking aftermath of the incident. “This horrible act by someone she trusted has senselessly taken her from us,” the page states. Yolanda also revealed that Maldonado’s death leaves her two young children without parents.
“This tragedy has shattered our family and left her daughters with very little options for their future. My heart breaks as I try to ensure they are safe and have the things they need,” the aunt wrote.
The investigation into the crime is ongoing. The community has been left reeling from the shocking loss of a young mother in such a brutal manner.
Watch video below
