On December 29, 2024, 52-year-old Jose Melo, posted a sweet video on Facebook of his proposal to girlfriend Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, 31. Friends and loved ones shared their congratulations with the seemingly happy couple. The following morning, police responded to a call at an Elizabeth, New Jersey, residence. When they arrived, they found Maldonado dead, and authorities say Melo killed her.
According to a news release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth police officers arrived at a home on Florida Street just after 9 a.m. They found Maldonado, who had died from an apparent stab wound. Police arrested her new fiancé, who was charged with her murder and two weapon-related charges.
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The couple appeared happy.
Melo posted photos and videos of himself with Maldonado on Facebook, and their lives looked happy. According to Facebook, the couple began their relationship in 2018. And just before 8 p.m. December 29, Melo posted a video on Facebook of him getting down on one knee during a night out with Maldonado and proposing. With a smile on her face, she accepted and gave him a kiss. The moment seemed like a happy one for the couple.
Friends and loved ones congratulated Melo and Maldonado.
One wrote on his post, “OMG Manito..!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS Wish u guys the best.”
This person echoed the sentiment, writing, “Congratulations papalote to you both wishing you guys a lifetime together and many blessings!!”
But as news of Maldonado’s death came, the reactions changed.
Someone wrote, “Prayers to her family may she rest in peace, heartbreaking, and gut-wrenching.”
Another agreed, writing, “Extremely shocked and confused. No idea what happened between that night and the next morning. No reason to take anyone’s life. Sad that a lot of people lives are ruined especially their kids. RIP flaca.”
It's unclear what led to Maldonado's death.
Hours after Melo posted the proposal video, first responders pronounced his fiancée dead. Per the release, the prosecuting attorney’s office needs help determining exactly what happened with Jose Melo.
“This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about this matter is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Sergeant Keyla Live at 908-370-6793, Detective Melvin Rogers at 732-259-2003 or Elizabeth Police Detective Steven Lazo at 908-570-7852,” the release reads.
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The crime has devastated Maldonado's loved ones.
Maldonado’s aunt, Yolanda De, created a GoFundMe page to aid with final expenses. She wrote, “Naky was senselessly taken from us on December 30 in 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.”
The GoFundMe has raised more than $27,000 of a $35,000 goal thus far.
De posted an update on January 2, 2025. “We are SO thankful for all the support. I wanted to provide everyone with an update. Due to this being a homicide, things take MUCH longer than a regular death,” she wrote. “We are in the process of so many things. The girls are safe and being taken care of by family and permanent arrangements are being worked out.”
