BRICK – A woman who stabbed her fiancé in self defense was sentenced to four years in state prison.
Ciara Williams, 28, of Brick, had previously pleaded guilty to Reckless Manslaughter for the events that took place on September 29, 2019.
Williams brought Dennis Power, 35, of Brick to Ocean Medical Center with a stab wound in his chest and then fled the scene. Power was unconscious but breathing. Lifesaving measures were taken, but ultimately Power succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation ensued by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit led to Williams’ arrest.
Her original mug shot showed a bruise on her face, and it was determined that she stabbed him in self defense.
“Williams originally faced more significant charges with greater sentencing exposure, but legitimate self defense claims arose during the course of the investigation which we were compelled to take into account in evaluating this very difficult case,” Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer stated. “The claims of self defense, coupled with considerable proof problems, led to a resolution which we believe to be fair and just after careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances. Williams has been made to answer for her crime, and will be required to spend the next few years in state prison as a result. We hope this prison sentence provides some level of peace and closure to the family of Mr. Powers.”
Billhimer went on to thank Senior Assistant Prosecutors Kristin Pressman and Mara Brater who handled the case on behalf of the State. He also thanked the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
