A New Jersey man faces a first-degree murder charge after his fiancée was killed the morning following a public proposal that he shared on social media. On Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at approximately 9:12 a.m., Elizabeth Police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence on Florida Street, according to a news release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 31-year-old Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado of Elizabeth dead at the scene. Jose Melo, 52, also of 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, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.
The couple, who were engaged, had appeared happy just a day earlier. On Dec. 29, Melo posted a video on his Facebook page showing him proposing to Trinidad Maldonado in a bar as the song “Cásate Conmigo” by Silvestre Dangond and Nicky Jam played in the background.
“I love you, baby,” Melo captioned the video, tagging what appeared to be the victim’s Facebook profile. Tragedy struck just hours later, leaving the victim’s family devastated. A GoFundMe page set up by Trinidad Maldonado’s aunt, Yolanda De, described the loss as an “act of evil.”
“This horrible act by someone she trusted left her two children without either parent and with very little options for their future,” her aunt wrote. She added that her “heart breaks” as she works to ensure the children are safe and have their needs met, per Fox 5 New York.
The GoFundMe page, which had raised nearly $27,400 of its $35,000 goal as of Jan. 7, stated that Trinidad Maldonado’s funeral will be held in Florida, and she will be buried in Puerto Rico.
In a Jan. 3 update, the victim’s aunt thanked supporters for their help and assured them that the victim’s daughters are being cared for by family while permanent arrangements are finalized.
The case has shocked the local community and highlighted the fragility of trust in intimate relationships. Neither Melo nor his legal representatives have made any public statements regarding the charges.