Man Sentenced For Fatally Stabbing Girlfriend Nearly 100 Times In Union County

PLAINFIELD, NJ — A Union County man was sentenced for fatally stabbing his girlfriend = 48-year-old Audrey Tanksley about 100 times in 2011, authorities said.

Anthony James, 62, of Plainfield was sentenced by Union County Superior Court Judge John Deitch to 60 years in State Prison for first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced Monday.

James must serve at least 85 percent of that sentence before being eligible for parole.

"While this sentencing does not bring Ms. Tanksley back, we hope it comes as some small relief to her loved ones," said Union County Prosecutor Daniel. "I commend the dedicated efforts of Assistant Prosecutors Alaina Caliendo and Nicholas Hooker, Lieutenant Mike Manochio, Sergeant Lamar Hartsfield, and Detective Sonia Rodriguez who worked tirelessly on this case."

• Related: Plainfield Man Convicted At Retrial Of Fatally Stabbing Girlfriend

At around 5 p.m. on September 28, 2011, Plainfield Police patrol units went to James’ home on the 300 block of East Seventh Street in Plainfield – in response to a 911 call made by James.

Authorities found the body of Tanksley, according to Assistant Prosecutors Alaina Caliendo and Nicholas Hooker, who prosecuted the case.

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