Prosecutor: Man charged with murder for stabbing wife to death in Perth Amboy

Wellinton Leonardo faces various charges including one count of first–degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.

News 12 Staff

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Sep 23, 2024, 10:45 AM

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Updated 90 days ago

A Perth Amboy man is under arrest after police say he fatally stabbed his wife over the weekend, apparently in front of children.

Officials say Perth Amboy police received a 911 call around 3 a.m. Saturday about a stabbing on Bertrand Avenue.

Officers found a man and a woman lying on the kitchen floor.

Rosana Rodriguez, 40, of Perth Amboy, appeared to have been stabbed, according to officials. She was rushed to Raritan Bay Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead.

The man was identified as Wellinton Leonardo, Rodriguez's husband.

He was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for further treatment. There was no additional word on his injuries.

Leonardo faces various charges including one count of first–degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.

No other info was given on the children involved.

The Perth Amboy Mayor's Office issued a statement following the killing.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of Rosana Rodriguez, a mother, sister, and daughter who was taken from us far too soon. Rosana leaves four beautiful daughters, ages 13, 11, 3, and 11 months, who now face the unimaginable task of growing up without their mother. Our entire community shares in this grief, and we are doing everything in our power to support her family through this incredibly painful time.

This tragedy is deeply felt by all of us here in Perth Amboy. I want to reassure our community that this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Our current focus is ensuring that Rosana’s daughters and her family receive the necessary resources and support. The City of Perth Amboy is working closely with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the school district, local agencies, and state resources to provide them with both emotional and practical assistance.

For those in our community who wish to help, please make sure that any contributions go directly to the family so that they receive the support they truly need. As we approach Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to remind everyone that help is always available. Our Domestic Violence Response Team is here 24/7 to provide guidance, support, and resources. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please reach out. We will continue to stand by Rosana’s family during this difficult time, ensuring they are not alone in their grief."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Perth Amboy police or the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.