Murder suspect: 'My safety is in jeopardy'
Joseph P. Smith
BRIDGETON – Security was stepped up at Cumberland County Superior Court for an appearance on Friday by murder suspect Jeremiah E. Monell, who used the occasion to complain of ill treatment at the county jail.
Judge Cristen D’Arrigo cautioned Monell that he could talk himself into trouble but allowed him to speak.
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“I believe my safety is in jeopardy in this jail,” Monell said. “I have been assaulted by officers three times. … I was literally choked by one of the officers on the way here.”
Monell also complained about his isolation.
“They’re not letting me around people," he said. "I can’t move around. I can’t do anything.”
After listening, the judge advised Monell to address the matter to his attorney. Public Defender Nathan Perry remained silent, however.
Monell’s appearance on Friday was for two hearings on two separate cases.
Monell has been in custody since Jan. 2, 2017, in the stabbing death of his estranged wife, Tara O’Shea-Watson on Dec. 19, 2016. If convicted, he faces a prison term of life without the possibility of parole.
O’Shea-Watson, 35, was killed in her Laurel Lake home. She reportedly was attacked in front of their 12-year-old son. Officials said she was stabbed in the abdomen, chest, neck and face.
D’Arrigo agreed to one final postponement of Monell’s pre-trial conference, at which he could accept a plea agreement or have a trial date set. The judge ordered him back in court on Sept. 21.
Monell, now 33, also was arraigned on charges of spitting on and scratching a county corrections officer in April. A county grand jury indicted him in that matter in July.
County Assistant Prosecutor Charles Wettstein said the incident took place as Monell was being told he faced discipline for infractions of jail rules.
The public defender has raised concerns with the court that unspecified “protective measures” in place for Monell have interfered with his ability to meet with the defendant.
“It was not my fault,” Perry said. “It wasn’t his fault."
“It wasn’t the state’s fault, either,’ D’Arrigo interjected. “There have been issues related to Mr. Monell that created some complications. Hopefully, we’ve gotten past those.”
The judge said Monell's handling at the jail was for his own protection.
“I don’t necessarily attribute that in terms of responsibility,” D’Arrigo said. “But they are necessary.”
Joseph P. Smith: jpsmith_dj; (856) 563-5252; jsmith@gannettnj.com