New Jersey teacher allegedly killed by her husband as she was planning to leave him, with her daughter recalling her mother’s final, tragic moments.
A culinary teacher was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband, whom she was reportedly planning to leave, with her daughter said to have witnessed her final moments, according to court documents.
Monica Morris, 51, was found dead near her family’s townhouse in the 100 block of Freedom Way in Erial, New Jersey, just before 3 a.m. Tuesday, the Gloucester Township Police Department said.
When officers entered the burning home, they found her husband, Jerome, 50, reportedly covered in blood and holding a knife.
Just beyond him, her body was found lying face-down in their burning third-floor bedroom. Police said Monica had suffered multiple fatal knife wounds to her throat and neck.
Two other unidentified adults managed to flee the home unharmed. Jerome was treated for unspecified injuries at a hospital before being taken into custody, police said.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NJ.com, Jerome—who has a history of stalking, threats, and harassment—allegedly “snapped” after his wife told him she wanted to end the marriage.
Monica’s daughter told authorities she heard Jerome “killing my mom” during her 911 call around 2:25 a.m., the affidavit stated. She later reported hearing screaming from the third floor, where her parents’ bedroom was located, and said she heard her mother crying out that Jerome was trying to kill her.
While on the 911 call, the daughter located a key to the bedroom and unlocked the door. Inside, she reportedly saw Jerome standing over a bloodied Monica with a knife in his hand, according to the affidavit.
Monica was a well-loved culinary arts instructor at Trenton Central High School and the mother of four children, according to a GoFundMe organized by her son-in-law.
“Her compassion and generosity made her a role model to many, and her presence brought warmth and hope to those around her,” the family said.
Trenton Councilwoman-at-large Crystal Feliciano also paid tribute to her colleague, sharing a personal message of remembrance.
“I will miss yelling your name in the mornings as you passed my office, I will miss your tasty desserts that only you could make, and I will miss our talks when we’d find a moment to ‘chop it up’,” Feliciano wrote on Instagram.
“Our school and community will never be the same without you. Thank you for all the love you gave to our students and staff, for your gentle spirit, and for sharing your talents with so many,” the message read.
Jerome has been charged with first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Police said the ongoing fire investigation could result in additional charges.
A fundraiser set up to support Monica’s four children was nearing its goal, with about $5,000 left to reach its $13,000 target as of Wednesday evening.
