It was an emotional morning in a New Brunswick courtroom as 45-year-old Wellinton Leonardo, of Perth Amboy, appeared virtually, charged in the stabbing death of his 40-year-old wife, Rosana Rodriguez.

Leonardo's defense attorney argued that the stabbing was in self-defense.

The prosecutor called it murder, saying the victim was stabbed 12 times - three times in the back.

The married couple's four biological children were in the home at the time of the incident with the oldest, just 13, calling 911.

That 911 call was played in court today with family members of both the victim and defendant present.

Leonardo will remain in jail until his next court appearance Nov. 7.