Watertown, NY – A 40-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of murdering an 88-year-old woman in Jefferson County, authorities said.
Conviction Details
Jonathan E. Melendez, 40, was found guilty Thursday by a Jefferson County jury on all counts, including:
- Murder in the second degree
- Assault in the first degree
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree
- Tampering with physical evidence
Melendez had represented himself during the trial and maintained his innocence, stating, “I didn’t kill Rena,” in his defense, according to NNY360.
The Crime
The victim, Rena L. Eves, 88, was discovered dead on August 27, 2023, in her home at Beaver Meadows Apartments on Eimicke Place in Watertown, about 70 miles north of Syracuse.
Prosecutors detailed a brutal attack, explaining that Melendez beat Eves to death with a claw hammer. He was arrested the same day wearing two pairs of sweatpants, one clean over a pair soaked in the victim’s blood.
Melendez attempted to mislead authorities in a 911 call, claiming Eves’ car had been stolen. However, police found the car fob in his pocket and the bloodied hammer hidden in a Walmart bag in his trunk.
Evidence Presented in Trial
As per reports, the jury reviewed a range of evidence, including:
- The bloodied hammer used in the attack
- Surveillance footage from around the apartment
- Text messages in Spanish between Melendez and his girlfriend, one warning him, “Don’t do anything to her”
- Other forensic evidence proving the sequence of events
During his testimony, Melendez claimed he had a close friendship with the victim, often staying at her apartment, and argued that the blood on his pants was from a prior hand injury sustained by Eves. Prosecutors countered that the motive was Melendez wanting to use the victim’s car, which she refused.
Defendant’s Claims and Courtroom Response
Melendez also claimed he suffers from drug-induced psychosis and alleged that the prosecution was targeting him because of Freemasons, a claim rejected by Judge David Renzi, who reminded the court that conspiracy theories have no place in legal proceedings.
Family Reaction and Next Steps
The family of Rena Eves welcomed the verdict.
“As a family, we’re certainly happy to have this come to a close,” said one of Eves’ granddaughters. “Just hearing all counts of guilty is really reassuring.”
Melendez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8.
What are your thoughts on this tragic and violent case in Watertown? Share your opinions and reactions in the comments below.
