Dozens of bloody shoe prints marked the scene of the country's 40th homicide, where a woman, who was a marriage counselor and entrepreneur, was stabbed to death.

Police confirmed yesterday that the 41-year-old murder victim was attacked in her south New Providence apartment late Tuesday night.

The victim has been identified as Bloneva Bethel. Her husband, 52-year-old Asa Bethel, was arraigned for her murder yesterday afternoon.

The Guardian has learned that both Bethels were marriage counselors at a local church and Mr. Bethel is also the owner of A.J. Rent-A-Car on East Street South. A family member of the murder accused, who works at A.J. Rent-A-Car, told The Guardian his family was very "shaken-up" by the brutal incident. Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent of Police Walter Evans? said, "Around 11 p.m. there was a murder which took place on Cox Way, in the area of East Street South. Apparently there was an alleged dispute between a husband and a wife.

"During the dispute the husband allegedly stabbed the wife," he added. "We know that there was some discourse but we are not sure of exactly what happened. As a result, the wife was stabbed multiple times about the body."

The murder weapon has been identified as a steak knife, but no motive was determined up to press time.

Neighbors at the scene reported that they were awakened by the screams of Mrs. Bethel just before 11 p.m. on Tuesday.

One of the neighbors reported seeing someone attacking Mrs. Bethel. "After that we called the police."

Another neighbor who lives just doors away from the Bethel's apartment complex described the gruesome scene.

"I was sleeping when it happened but when I heard all the ambulance and stuff I came outside," explained the young man. "The woman's arm was all cut up. It looked like he tried to cut it off."

Meanwhile, at the scene yesterday the only outward indication of the crime were blood-stained shoe prints outside the couple's front door. Despite it being midday, a single porch light shone brightly as the apartment's doorway was boarded up to prevent anyone from entering the home.

Inside, the tiled floors near the front of the house were covered in a pool of smeared blood, indicating that the domestic dispute may have taken place in the living room. In the background a single light illuminated a trail of blood leading form the kitchen area.


By JASMIN BONIMY, Guardian Staff Reporter