A shocking crime has unfolded in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, as a 71-year-old retiree stands accused of allegedly killing his wife and attempting to cover up the murder.
Michael Manis allegedly suffocated his wife, Judith, with a pillow and then meticulously planned various scenarios to conceal the heinous act, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
In an effort to create the illusion of a violent home invasion, Manis tore apart his own residence, stashed his wife's jewelry in the ceiling of their basement, and discarded other valuable items in a dumpster behind a nearby 7-Eleven.
However, his elaborate scheme began to unravel when he contacted the police at 5:01 p.m. on Saturday, claiming that he had returned home to find his house in disarray and his wife possibly beaten and deceased.
Prosecutors have since revealed that Manis's account was a fabrication. During questioning, he confessed to the murder, although the court documents do not provide a motive for his actions.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office has determined that the actual killing occurred on Friday, a day prior to the false report of a robbery.
Manis now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree disturbing/desecrating human remains, third-degree hindering the apprehension of oneself, and fourth-degree false report to law enforcement.
It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
The couple had resided in their New Jersey home for over three decades, according to land records. Hasbrouck Heights, a modest borough with a middle-class population, is situated just 15 miles away from Manhattan.
Manis owned Manis Lighting LLC, a contracting company in New Jersey. In 2014, the business faced disciplinary action for falsifying documents related to a state clean energy incentive program.
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