Queens Man Butchered Wife in Front of Her Daughter- Grand Jury Charges

Carmelo Mendoza is accused of stabbing his wife Yaquelin Collado. to death. The couple had previously posted this photo to Facebook.

‘Psycho’ Husband Accused of Killing Wife

Stabbed Wife 27 Times- DA Says

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A grand jury handed up murder charges to a Queens man who brutally stabbed his wife with a kitchen knife in front of her daughter. Prosecutors said a simple marital arguement was the motive for the defendant to stab his wife more than two dozen times. 

A Queens grand jury charged 41-year-old Carmelo Mendoza with second degree murder in the death of his wife inside their Jackson Heights apartment in July. 

“This is the worst outcome of domestic violence, an argument that turned violent and deadly,” said District Attorney Melinda Katz. “The defendant allegedly stabbed his wife more than two dozen times, as the victim’s 19-year old daughter tried in vain to stop the brutal attack. The defendant will be held accountable for his alleged actions.” 

According to the charges on the morning of July 3rd, Mendoza and his wife Yaquelin Collado, 45, were arguing in their bedroom. The dispute continued throughout the apartment and eventually ended up in the kitchen. 

According to prosecutors, Collado’s 19-year-old daughter heard a blood curdling scream. She ran into the kitchen to allegedly witness Mendoza repeatedly stab her mother with a butcher knife. The daughter tried to save her mother by throwing items and even pushing Mendoza off her. He fell to the ground. Prosecutors said Mendoza got back up and continued to stab his wife. 

Collado said to her daughter in Spanish, “I’m dying, get out of here.” 

The daughter ran out of the apartment and banged on her neighbors’ doors screaming for help.  

When police arrived they entered the apartment and found Mendoza lying atop Collado. The victim was in a pool of blood and kitchen knife was near the body. Cops say Mendoza had stabbed himself numerous times in the abdomen.  

Both Collado and Mendoza were taken to a nearby hospital. Collado was pronounced dead at the hospital. Mendoza was treated for his alleged self-inflicted wounds. 

Prosecutors say Collado was stabbed 27 times.

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.