GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The woman who prosecutors say was stabbed to death by her husband on Tuesday had previously told him she was going to end their marriage, according to NJ Advance Media.
Monica Morris' daughter heard screaming in the house and was told by her mother that her husband was trying to kill her. Her daughter then found Jerome Morris, 50, with a knife on top of her bleeding mother as she called authorities.
Jerome has a history of criminal activity related to stalking and threats, an affidavit said.
At around 2:30 a.m., officers with the Gloucester Township Police Department responded to a home in the 100 block of Freedom Way for a report of a stabbing.
Inside, they found Jerome holding a knife while covered in blood and took him into custody.
Monica was left stabbed in a third-floor bedroom with heavy fire and smoke.
Firefighters removed her from the home and put out the fire.
She was declared dead at the scene at around 2:50 a.m., officials added.
Two others who lived at the house were able to get out unharmed.
Three Gloucester Township Police officers were left with minor injuries after the fire, authorities said.
Of those, two were treated on scene, and another was taken to the hospital and has been released.
Jerome Morris was taken to a hospital and will be taken to the Camden County Correctional Facility to await a detention hearing.
He was charged with first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Camden County Prosecutor's Office at 856-729-0660, the Gloucester Township Police Department at 856-374-5701, or submit to CAMDEN.TIPS online.
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