Union County Man Convicted Of Reckless Manslaughter

A 26-year-old Elizabeth man has been convicted of reckless manslaughter - the verdict stems from a 2012 stabbing.

according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office:

A Union County jury has convicted a Newark man of reckless manslaughter and two weapons charges in connection with the 2012 stabbing death of Elizabeth resident Marckenson Flobert, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Wednesday.

The verdict against Saint Merilan, 26, was reached after a day of jury deliberation following a nearly two-week trial before state Superior Court Judge Robert J. Mega.

The date was August 3, 2012 when Merilan drove his daughter to the 300 block of Walnut Street in Elizabeth to drop her off at the girl’s mother’s home, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Scott M. Peterson, who prosecuted the case. Merilan was still waiting in his vehicle when the woman arrived home with her boyfriend, the 25-year-old Flobert, a short while later, Peterson said.

An exchange of words turned violent, and following a brief scuffle Merilan emerged from his car with a knife and stabbed Flobert multiple times, killing him, according to Peterson. He was arrested the same day.

Sentencing has been scheduled for October 24, at which time Merilan will face up to 10 years in state prison, with at least 85 percent of his term to be served before the possibility of parole.