Richard L. Smith
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone has reported that a Perth Amboy man has been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of his wife, which occurred early Saturday morning in the City of Perth Amboy.
According to Prosecutor Ciccone, at approximately 2:57 AM, authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing incident on Bertrand Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male and a female lying on the kitchen floor.
The victim, Ms. Rosana Rodriguez, 40, of Perth Amboy, appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds.
Officers administered aid, and Rodriguez was transported to Hackensack Meridian Hospital Raritan Bay Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
The male, identified as Mr. Wellinton Leonardo, was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for further treatment.
An initial investigation led by Detective Danny Hernandez of the Perth Amboy Police Department and Detective Michelle Coppola of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that this was not a random act of violence.
The investigation revealed that Rodriguez and Leonardo were married.
Leonardo has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, as the incident occurred in the presence of children.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Hernandez or Detective Coppola.
