HAZLET – A man has been arrested and criminally charged after breaking into his father’s home and attacking two relatives, resulting in one death, officials said.
Ernest K. Kotey, 43, has been charged with first-degree Murder, second-degree Burglary, and second-degree Domestic Violence Strangulation in connection with the death of Nikoi Kotey, 77, as well as injuring a 67-year-old female.
On August 17, Hazlet Police responded to a home on Middle Road shortly after midnight and found Nikoi Kotey unresponsive in a bedroom. He was brought to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead around 5:45 p.m. yesterday.
According to authorities, Ernest Kotey had broken in to the home at the back entrance where he confronted his father and proceeded to physically attacked him causing fatal injuries. Ernest then attacked his aunt, grabbing her by the throat. She was able to free herself and escape the house, officials said.
Ernest was arrested at the scene and later transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI), where he remains lodged.
If anyone has information about this incident, they are urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Migliorisi at 800-533-7443 or Hazlet Police Department Detective Tristao at 732-264-6565.
Convictions on criminal charges of this nature are commonly punishable by terms of up to life in state prison. Despite the charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
