By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella has reported the apprehension of Mr. Michael Manis, 71, a resident of Hasbrouck Heights.
The arrest comes in connection to a tragic incident of homicide that unfolded in Hasbrouck Heights.
According to Prosecutor Musella, the incident happened on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at around 5:01 p.m.
During this time, Prosecutor Musella said officers from the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department received a 911 call from Manis, who said he had just returned home and discovered his wife dead.
Responding swiftly, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit also joined the investigation.
The subsequent inquiry brought to light a distressing series of events.
Prosecutor Musella said his office determined that on the preceding day, Friday, August 11, Manis was responsible for the untimely death of his wife.
In an attempt to conceal the grim reality, he proceeded to orchestrate a fabricated robbery scene.
Following a comprehensive probe, Prosecutor Musella said law enforcement took decisive action on Sunday, August 13. Mr. Manis was apprehended and subsequently charged with a series of grave offenses.
These include first-degree murder, second-degree disturbing/desecrating human remains, third-degree hindering the apprehension of oneself, and fourth-degree false reports to law enforcement.
Prosecutor Musella emphasizes that these charges are allegations and that the accused individual is, by legal standards, presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.