Police have arrested a man from Gloucester Township after a domestic dispute on Sunday.
The arrest is the result of an incident that took place when the man, Ronald McGrath, was found by police allegedly holding two knives to a woman, one against her chest, the other to her leg. Police responded to the scene after they had received reports of a possible fight and a woman screaming inside the apartment. McGrath allegedly told the police that he was going to kill the woman unless the officers killed him first. McGrath did eventually drop the knives but then fought with police as they tried to arrest him. Two of the officers sustained minor injuries and the victim suffered from a cut to her hand.
After being arrested by police, McGrath was charged with attempted murder. To prove attempted murder in New Jersey, the prosecution must show an action and intent. Specifically, they must prove that the person took a direct step towards the killing and must have the specific intent to kill that person. This can be either a first or second degree crime depending on whether the defendant acted with premeditation or not. In this case, it is likely that McGrath will be charged in the second degree as it appears the incident was the result of a fight between the two parties. A conviction for this crime in the second degree can result in 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. A possible defense that might be argued in this case, however, is that although McGrath took the direct step and had intent to kill, he withdrew from the act and did not follow through.
For more information on this case, access the following nj.com article entitled “Gloucester Township man charged with attempted murder in domestic dispute.”
