Trial starts for man accused of killing wife in front of son
Posted: Updated:The trial has started for a man from Lawrence Township who prosecutors say fatally stabbed his estranged wife dozens of times in front of their 12-year-old son.
Opening statements were scheduled Thursday in the trial of Jeremiah Monell.
Monell is charged with killing , 35, in her home in Commercial Township back in December of 2016.
RELATED: Jeremiah Monell, husband accused of killing estranged wife Tara O'Shea, captured
According to prosecutors, Monell stabbed O'Shea-Watson dozens of times after beating her and throwing her on the floor.
The couple's 12-year-old son witnessed the attack.
Monell ran, 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.
The Press of Atlantic City reports Monell could face a life term without parole if he's convicted.
AP wire services helped contribute to this report.
Top StoriesNewsMore>>
First responders in Hillsborough practice active shooter drill
First responders in Hillsborough practice active shooter drill
First responders from around Somerset County practiced an emergency drill Saturday.First responders from around Somerset County practiced an emergency drill Saturday.Police: 2 dead, 3 others in stable condition after overdosing in Red Bank
Police: 2 dead, 3 others in stable condition after overdosing in Red Bank
Five people overdosed in Red Bank early Sunday morning and two of them died, according to police.Five people overdosed in Red Bank early Sunday morning and two of them died, according to police.Prosecutors: 2 Asbury Park police officers accused of vandalizing 2 cars
Prosecutors: 2 Asbury Park police officers accused of vandalizing 2 cars
Two Asbury Park police officers have been charged with vandalizing two cars.Two Asbury Park police officers have been charged with vandalizing two cars.Poll: National Brownie Day
Poll: National Brownie Day
Today is National Brownie Day! Do you prefer brownies with or without nuts?
Today is National Brownie Day! Do you prefer brownies with or without nuts?
It's National Brownie Day!It's National Brownie Day!Holidays stressing you out? Make the season more blissful by organizing your house
Holidays stressing you out? Make the season more blissful by organizing your house
News 12's Carissa Lawson speaks with Donna Balkovic of Donna's Place for Everything in Manasquan on how to organize your house for the holidays.News 12's Carissa Lawson speaks with Donna Balkovic of Donna's Place for Everything in Manasquan on how to organize your house for the holidays.
New Jersey SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Your New Jersey 2019 Holiday Photos
Your New Jersey 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!The Download Photos
The Download Photos
The Royole FlexPai touts itself as "the world's first commercial foldable smartphone with flexible display."
Here are some of the latest tech items featured in the News 12 series The Download.
Here are some of the latest tech items featured in the News 12 series The Download.
Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
