Man Accused Of Hacking Wife To Death To Face Somerset Co. Grand Jury

SOMERVILLE, NJ — A Somerville man accused of hacking his wife to death with a hatchet will have his murder case heard by a grand jury.

On Friday, a brief pre-indictment hearing was held for Ignacio Espinal, 55, of Somerville in Somerset County Courthouse before Judge Robert Wilson.

Espinal is facing charges of first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree hindering.

"The state is not extending an offer at this time, and we ask that this matter be marked for grand jury," said Assistant Prosecutor Natasha Peavey in court.

Defense counsel, Christopher Yates, told the judge that he had discussed the grand jury process with Espinal.

Wilson then addressed Espinal directly and explained that his case is going to be presented to the grand jury.

"If the grand jury declines to indict you, case is over. Nothing further required of you. If you are indicted, the case moves forward," said Wilson.

Arrest and Charges

Espinal was charged in connection with the death of his wife, Alyne Espinal, 46.

According to court documents previously obtained by Patch, on Aug. 6 just before 7:30 p.m., police went to 60 Brookside Avenue, Apartment 3B, in Somerville after a 911 call reported concerns for the welfare of a female resident.

Alyne Espinal was found dead inside the home with multiple large laceration wounds to her body, according to the documents.

The affidavit of probable cause states a camping-style hatchet with suspected blood on it was found in the home.

Court documents also state surveillance video reportedly showed Ignacio Espinal purchasing a hatchet at a local hardware store four weeks earlier.

Other video reportedly showed him driving Alyne Espinal’s vehicle the day she was found dead, and video recovered in Paterson reportedly showed him getting out of the vehicle after parking it on the street.

Court documents state the vehicle was later recovered and processed, and suspected blood was found inside.

The documents also state investigators reported Ignacio Espinal tried to get rid of or conceal evidence by mopping up blood on the floor.

A postmortem examination by the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Alyne Espinal’s death a homicide.

Safe+Sound Somerset, which helps survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, offers help 24/7 with their call and text helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit safe-sound.org.

Previous Reporting:

• NJ Man Hacked Wife To Death With Hatchet, Court Records Show
• NJ Man Slashes Wife To Death, Prosecutors Say

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