Police: Man told stabbing victim, ‘Today is your kill day’
TRENTON » A city man reportedly upset that his exgirlfriend refused to give him another chance allegedly stabbed the woman and one of her male friends after agreeing to take them to a store.
John Bragg, 53, was charged with attempted murder, several weapons offenses and endangering the welfare of a child after he forced the kid and the male victim into a bathroom while he repeatedly stabbed the woman in the head.
Officials say Bragg agreed to drive the trio of victims from Oakland Street to a store late Saturday night after the 29-yearold female asked him for a ride. Officials say the foursome were cordial with each other while in the car, but things quickly turned violent after Bragg convinced them he had to make a stop.
Police say Bragg stopped at Kingsbury Square and convinced the victims to accompany him into someone else’s apartment while he handled personal business. The resident was not home at the time of the incident, according to police who say Bragg had access to the apartment.
Once inside the home, officials say, Bragg and the woman started arguing after she refused his attempts to regain her affection.
“He told the woman, ‘You’re not going anywhere. Today is the day you die. Today is your kill day,’” Lt. Rolando Ramos said.
Bragg then forced the woman’s 3-year-old child and her 29-year-old male friend into the bathroom and attacked his ex.
While Bragg stabbed the woman, officials say, the male victim escaped from the bathroom and then hit Bragg with a toilet tank cover. Bragg then stabbed the male victim several times as well.
Cops were dispatched to the scene after a neighbor reported hearing screams for help and glass breaking inside the apartment. When police arrived, they heard the melee from outside the home, so they kicked open the door.
The female victim suffered several lacerations to her head, lower torso, hand and back. She was rushed into emergency surgery and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The male victim suffered lacerations to his arms, neck and hand, and has been released from the hospital. Bragg also suffered lacerations to his head as a result of being hit with the toilet tank cover.
The toddler was not harmed, but Child Protection and Permanency is involved in the case.