Jose Melo pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend, Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, a 31-year-old Elizabeth resident, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca and Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves said.
At 9:12 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, Elizabeth police responded to Florida Street for a report of a stabbing and found Maldonado dead, authorities said. Melo was detained at the scene, authorities said. He was originally charged with murder in the first degree.
Melo and Maldonado got engaged at the Bamboleo Night Club the night before, according to Melo’s social media. “I love you baby,” he captioned the clip…