Concord Man Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder Charge

CONCORD, NH — A Concord man has pleaded guilty to murder after stabbing his wife to death in July 2019.

Emerson Jaques Figueiredo, 43, pleaded guilty to a single second-degree murder charge as part of a plea bargain Friday. He faces between 45 years to life in prison. Figueiredo murdered Nathalia DaPaxiao, 35, after ongoing domestic issues and a fight on July 28, 2019, concerning missing church and going to the beach, according to a prosecutor.

At just before noon, Figueiredo had returned late from work on that Sunday causing the family to miss church services. An argument ensued between Figueiredo and DaPaxiao about going to the beach. Figueiredo, who was tired from working, wanted to go to sleep while DaPaxiao wanted him to take her and their two children to the beach. Figueiredo took a shower and later, the couple continued arguing. They threw their wedding rings at each other and she suggested they get divorced. Figueiredo became incensed and began beating his wife with a hiking shoe, "hitting her in many places on her body, as well as her head," the prosecutor said.

Eventually, Figueiredo stopped using a shoe and then, grabbed a knife from their kitchen and began stabbing the victim, the prosecutor stated. She began screaming, saying she was sorry, and attempting to fight him off, as did the children. The attack spilled outside, in front of others, including neighbors, who called 911 and also began filming the attack. Others attempted to step in to assist. Figueiredo was seen smashing DaPaxiao's head twice before ending his attack. He then made a phone call, admitted to the killing, and asked for help as police arrived.

Police found DaPaxiao in a pool of blood outside of the apartment complex. Concord fire and rescue teams took her to Concord Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The prosecutor said DaPaxiao had at least seven separate stab wounds and many other nicks and cuts on her body, according to the state's medical examiner. One of the wounds fractured a rib while another cut through the woman's stomach, and another cut her neck, according to testimony. One of the wounds broke the knife, the prosecutor said.

The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office sealed the affidavit involved in the case. While explaining some of the testimony, the prosecutor said the children stated the couple fought constantly about money with Figueiredo being "stressed" about their finances and DaPaxiao wanting more financial freedom. Figueiredo also told his children he was upset that DaPaxiao constantly called him names.

Merrimack County Superior Court Judge John Kissinger J. repeatedly asked Figueiredo if he understood what he was pleading guilty to, if he understood his rights, and acknowledged he could be facing 45 years to life in prison, and each time, Figueiredo answered in the affirmative.

A sentencing will be held in January 2021.

Figueiredo, in paperwork filings, reported owning a cleaning company, BR Services of Snow Circle in Nashua, a restaurant, office, and housekeeping service. He registered the business with the Secretary of State's Office in May 2014. He worked cleaning several restaurants in Downtown Concord before the murder. A GoFundMe.com site created for the family and funeral expenses raised more than $15,000 last year.

NEWSCAM 603 posted video from the scene on YouTube.com.

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