WATERTOWN, NY – A Jefferson County jury has convicted Jonathan E. Melendez, 40, in the murder of Rena L. Eves, an 88-year-old woman whose death shocked the upstate community. The verdict, delivered Thursday, followed several days of testimony and deliberation in a trial where Melendez chose to represent himself.
Jurors found Melendez guilty on all charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence. Prosecutors argued that the evidence presented left no reasonable doubt about his role in the fatal attack.
During his time on the stand, Melendez denied responsibility, telling jurors, “I didn’t kill Rena,” according to NNY360. His testimony, however, did little to sway the panel, which reached a unanimous decision after reviewing the physical evidence and witness accounts.
Sentencing is expected in the coming weeks, with Melendez facing the possibility of life in prison.