Elizabeth Man Pleads Guilty in Fiancée’s Killing After Proposal Video — Prosecutors Seek 28 Years

ELIZABETH, N.J. — The video looked like a new beginning: a public proposal, cheering, a ring, a “yes.”

Days later, it became the grim timestamp on a homicide case that shook Union County — and this week, that case reached its turning point in court.

Jose Melo, 53, of Elizabeth, pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2025 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the death of his fiancée, 31-year-old Naket Jadix Trinidad Maldonado, authorities and published reports said.

Here at The Garden State Gazette, we don’t put sugar in our coffee — so we’re laying out the verified facts and what comes next.

What prosecutors say happened

According to investigators and reports citing law enforcement, police were called to a residence on Florida Street in Elizabeth after a 911 call reported a stabbing on the morning of Dec. 30, 2024. Maldonado was found dead at the home, authorities said.

A key detail that made the case explode publicly: a day before the killing, Melo posted a video of his proposal to Maldonado online, multiple outlets reported.

The guilty plea

Reports state Melo entered the plea in Union County Superior Court, admitting guilt to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in connection with Maldonado’s death.

The plea ends the path to a full trial, locking the case into sentencing — and sparing the victim’s family from a prolonged courtroom fight over evidence and testimony.

Sentencing: 28 years requested, 85% before parole eligibility

Melo is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2026. Patch+1

Prosecutors said they will request 28 years in New Jersey state prison, and that the plea agreement includes a requirement that he serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The victim: “Naky” Maldonado, a mother of two

Maldonado, 31, was described in reporting as a mother of two, known to loved ones as “Naky.”

Prosecutor statement

In reporting that quoted the office, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said: “While we hope this plea brings a sense of closure, our thoughts remain with Ms. Maldonado’s loved ones.”