Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury convicted Abbijial Sloan, 42, of Newark of first degree murder for killing his wife, Nicole Sloan, 37, also of Newark.
The jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning a verdict finding Sloan guilty of first degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child and two weapons offenses.
On Aug. 23, 2007 Sloan violently assaulted his wife, beating her and stabbing her at least 16 times with a large kitchen knife in the presence of his then three-year-old son at their home located at 230 Alexander Street in Newark.
She died from her wounds. The murder was captured on a 911 call that the victim made prior to being fatally stabbed. In the call she begs for help. Her son can be heard in the background crying as Sloan repeatedly stabbed his wife.
Assistant Prosecutor Cheryl M.Cucinello, who tried the case, said, “We are very grateful to the jury who obviously listened attentively and considered carefully the evidence as it was presented. We are also happy for the family of Nicole who waited for this day for over three years.’’
The Honorable Michael Ravin, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for Jan. 18, 2011. At sentencing Sloan faces a minimum of 30 years in prison for the murder. For the child endangerment charge he faces a consecutive 5 to 10 years.
