Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced that Charles Smith, 65, of East Orange has been arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Beverly Goldson Smith, 64, also of East Orange.
Mr. Smith was also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
This morning at approximately 11:28, the East Orange police received a 911 call from Mr. Smith, calling officers to the family home at 193 Eppirt Street. When police arrived at the scene, they found the body of Mrs. Smith in the detached garage. She appeared to have been bludgeoned to death.
She was pronounced dead at the scene at11:52 a.m. A weapon was recovered at the scene.
Next of kin have been notified. An autopsy will be performed.
The investigation is continuing.
Mr. Smith was initially taken into custody at the East Orange Police station. He is scheduled to be transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility today.
Bail was set at $500,000 by the Honorable Michael A. Petrolle, J.S.C.
The charges are merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
