By Associated Press - Tuesday, August 1, 2017

PLAINFIELD, N.J. (AP) - A man who authorities say fatally stabbed his ex-wife at the home they shared in New Jersey has pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges.

Eric Beale entered his pleas Tuesday during a court hearing in Elizabeth.

Union County prosecutors say Beale killed his 56-year-old wife, Marlene Martin. Her body was found around 11:30 p.m. Sunday in the backyard of their Plainfield home after someone asked police to check on her welfare.

People were interested in these podcasts

Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities say the 56-year-old Beale was quickly identified as a suspect in the slaying and was arrested without incident a short time later.

Beale could face a life sentence if he’s convicted.

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Story Topics

Please read our comment policy before commenting.