A man from New Jersey is facing a murder charge following the death of his fiancée, who was killed the day after he publicly proposed to her in a video. On Monday, December 30, 2024, at around 9:12 a.m. local time, Elizabeth Police Officers were dispatched to a residence on Florida Street in response to a reported stabbing, as disclosed in a news release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, January 2. Upon arrival, they discovered Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, a 31-year-old resident of Elizabeth, deceased at the scene, as stated in the release shared on Instagram.
Jose Melo, a 52-year-old also from Elizabeth, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and one count of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Melo and the victim were engaged, as reported by Fox 5 New York. A video on Melo’s Facebook page, apparently filmed on December 29, depicted him proposing in a bar while the song “Cásate Conmigo” by Silvestre Dangond and Nicky Jam played in the background.
In a tragic turn of events, the victim’s aunt, Yolanda De, set up a GoFundMe page lamenting the loss of her niece in a “senseless act of evil.” The page highlighted the victim’s two children left without parents due to the alleged betrayal by someone she trusted, leaving them with limited options for their future. The heartbroken aunt pledged to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim’s young daughters.
An update provided on January 3 by Trinidad Maldonado’s aunt expressed gratitude to the public for their support, confirming that the victim’s children were safe and under the care of family members while arrangements for their long-term care were being made. The victim’s funeral will be held in Florida, with her final resting place in her home country, Puerto Rico.
The GoFundMe page set up to assist with funeral expenses and support the victim’s children had garnered nearly $27,400 of its $35,000 goal as of January 7. The Elizabeth Police Department and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for updates from PEOPLE.
The tragic incident involving the untimely death of Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado following a public proposal and subsequent murder charge against her fiancé has deeply impacted the community and highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence. The support from the public, as evidenced by the donations to the GoFundMe page, reflects a shared sense of grief and a desire to provide assistance to the victim’s bereaved family during this difficult time. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victim and ensuring the well-being of her children as they navigate this profound loss and uncertain
