August 12, 2008: Today, a Morris County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Kleber Cordova, age 29, of Morristown, with

One Count of First Degree Murder

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on May 9, 2008. At approximately 7:19 am, a 911 call was placed by the defendant requesting medical assistance for his wife who was located at their residence located at 85 Western Avenue in Morristown. Responding officers found the victim submerged in a bathtub, face up, with her head positioned under the faucet. The victim was pulled from the tub by the first responding Morristown Police Officers. CPR was performed by Morristown Police, Morristown Ambulance Squad and the victim was treated by paramedics as well. She was ultimately transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the defendant had an argument with the victim and a struggle ensued where the defendant held the victim's head under water for several minutes until she stopped struggling.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This indictment is indicative of this administration's desire to move cases quickly to Grand Jury and to trial."

The defendant continues to be lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bail.

A detainer from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also been lodged.

If convicted of all charges, Cordova faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of life imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Morristown Police Department at 973-538-2200 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973) 267-2255.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

This case is being handled by Assistant Prosecutor Leslie Wade, Esq. Cordova is represented by James Orlando, Esq.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio