What to Know
- Jeremiah Monell is accused of killing his estranged wife Tara O'Shea-Watson in Commercial Township in December 2016.
- The couple's then 12-year-old son witnessed his mother's killing, investigators say.
- Monell eluded authorities for two weeks before being captured and charged. He has rejected a plea deal in the case.
A New Jersey man prosecutors say stabbed and killed his estranged wife in front of their son is going to trial.
Opening statements were scheduled Thursday in the trial of Jeremiah Monell of Lawrence Township.
Monell is charged with killing Tara O'Shea-Watson in her home in Commercial Township in December 2016.
Prosecutors say Monell stabbed the 35-year-old dozens of times after beating her and throwing her on the floor. The couple's 12-year-old son witnessed the attack.
Monell fled but was captured two weeks later in a wooded area of Atlantic County.
He rejected a plea deal in October that would have allowed a judge to determine a sentence of between 30 years and life.
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The Press of Atlantic City reports Monell could face a life term without parole if he's convicted.
