New Jersey man admits to killing ex after split sentenced to decades
Bridgeton, NJ – A Cumberland County man has been sentenced to 35 years in state prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the July killing of a woman he had recently separated from, prosecutors announced Monday.
Steven Gonzalez, 25, of Millville, was sentenced on November 17 by Judge Cristen P. D’Arrigo following a negotiated plea agreement. He admitted to strangling victim T.C. to death on July 3, 2023, shortly after she ended a relationship with him. Gonzalez will serve a mandatory 30 years without parole under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act and will be under supervision for five years upon release.
According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Gonzalez and T.C. had been in a relationship that ended just prior to the murder. The investigation determined the breakup was the motive behind the killing.
Gonzalez was initially charged with first-degree murder and second-degree aggravated assault. He entered a guilty plea to the murder charge on September 29.
The case was investigated by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Millville Police Department, and Vineland Police Department. Assistant Prosecutor Holly Fanelle led the prosecution. Gonzalez was represented by attorney Nathan Perry.
Key Points
- Steven Gonzalez sentenced to 35 years for 2023 murder of woman in Millville
- Victim strangled after ending relationship with defendant
- Defendant must serve 30 years without parole under No Early Release Act