Brandon Andrews-Cruz Fatally Stabbed in South Plainfield Home as 32-Year-Old Woman Survives Brutal Knife Attack; Edison Man Pablo Cicero Charged with Murder, Attempted Murder, and Weapons Offenses Amid Community Shock and Mourning

In the early morning hours of May 19, 2025, the quiet, suburban streets of South Plainfield, New Jersey, were shattered by an act of unthinkable violence that has since shaken two communities—Raritan Borough and South Plainfield—and sparked an outpouring of grief, questions, and calls for justice. The victim, 38-year-old Brandon Andrews-Cruz, a Raritan man known for his warmth, generosity, and devotion to his family, was fatally stabbed during what authorities have described as a violent home invasion at a residence on Tooz Place. A second victim, a 32-year-old woman from South Plainfield whose identity has not been publicly released, was also attacked and left with multiple stab wounds that required hospitalization but were fortunately not life-threatening.

What began as an ordinary night ended in bloodshed and devastation. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office has since confirmed the arrest of 46-year-old Pablo Cicero of Edison, New Jersey. Cicero now faces a litany of serious charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, first-degree home invasion burglary, and multiple weapons offenses. As the investigation unfolds, the magnitude of this senseless tragedy has only deepened, prompting reflection on issues of domestic violence, mental health, and the fragility of safety within one’s own home.

The Night of the Incident: Chaos and Horror on Tooz Place

At approximately 1:57 a.m. on May 19, South Plainfield police received a frantic 911 call reporting a violent disturbance at a home on Tooz Place. Officers and emergency medical responders arrived swiftly, only to discover a grisly scene: two individuals suffering from multiple stab wounds, signs of a struggle scattered throughout the residence, and a chilling silence that hinted at the trauma that had just transpired.

Brandon Andrews-Cruz, despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. The 32-year-old woman, believed to be a resident of the home and possibly known to both the suspect and the deceased, was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment. She has since been discharged, but the emotional and psychological impact of the attack is expected to linger far beyond her physical recovery.

Authorities have not released specific details about the events that led up to the stabbing, but sources close to the investigation suggest that the attack was targeted rather than random, raising the possibility of a pre-existing relationship between the suspect and the victims. The motive has not been officially disclosed, though investigators are exploring potential domestic or interpersonal dynamics that could have contributed to the violence.

The Victim: Brandon Andrews-Cruz

Brandon Andrews-Cruz was a beloved member of the Raritan Borough community. Friends and family describe him as a hardworking, compassionate, and charismatic individual who always put others before himself. He was known for his love of music, his deep loyalty to friends, and his dedication to his family, especially his young niece and nephews, whom he often cared for.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Andrews-Cruz spent most of his adult life building meaningful relationships and lending a helping hand to anyone in need. A neighbor described him as “the kind of guy who would mow your lawn if you were too sick to do it, or bring groceries to an elderly neighbor without being asked.” His death, especially under such violent and abrupt circumstances, has left a painful void in the lives of those who knew him best.

His family, while devastated, has issued a statement thanking the community for the outpouring of support and urging anyone with information to cooperate fully with investigators. “We want justice for Brandon,” his sister wrote in a public message. “He didn’t deserve this. No one deserves to die like this.”

The Survivor: A Woman’s Harrowing Escape and Recovery

The second victim, a 32-year-old woman whose name has not been released due to privacy and safety concerns, is central to the ongoing investigation. Sources indicate that she may have played a crucial role in identifying Cicero as the attacker. Her statements to law enforcement, as well as physical evidence recovered from the scene, contributed to the issuance of an arrest warrant that culminated in Cicero’s apprehension on May 29.

While she is expected to physically recover from her injuries, the emotional and mental trauma of surviving such a brutal attack—especially one that claimed the life of someone she likely knew and trusted—will be profound. Crisis counselors and victim advocacy groups have offered their services to aid in her recovery, and a protection order is reportedly in place while the legal proceedings move forward.

The Arrest: Pablo Cicero in Custody

Pablo Cicero, the 46-year-old suspect from Edison, was arrested without incident and is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. His arrest came 10 days after the crime, following a thorough investigation led by Detective Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Detective Ryan Kirsh of the South Plainfield Police Department.

Cicero faces the following charges:

• One count of first-degree murder
• One count of first-degree attempted murder
• One count of first-degree home invasion burglary
• Two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Two counts of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon

He is awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing, where prosecutors are expected to argue for his continued incarceration based on the severity of the crime, potential risk to the community, and the possibility of flight.

A Community in Mourning and Disbelief

The dual towns of Raritan Borough and South Plainfield have come together in grief, organizing vigils, fundraisers, and memorials in honor of Brandon Andrews-Cruz. Floral tributes and candles now mark the sidewalk near the scene of the crime, a somber reminder of the life lost and the trauma inflicted.

Local religious leaders, mental health professionals, and elected officials have publicly acknowledged the community’s pain, emphasizing the importance of support, healing, and justice. “This tragedy has touched everyone,” said Mayor Matthew Anesh of South Plainfield. “We mourn with Brandon’s family and offer our unwavering support to the woman who survived this horrific event. South Plainfield is a community that comes together in times of need, and we will stand by these families as they seek justice and healing.”

Legal and Societal Implications

The attack has renewed conversations across New Jersey about the intersections of domestic violence, mental illness, and systemic gaps in the criminal justice system. While no official motive has been disclosed, the nature of the crime—a late-night home invasion involving people who may have had prior connections—has prompted advocacy groups to call for greater protections for domestic violence survivors and more proactive intervention programs.

Legal analysts predict that Cicero’s defense will likely hinge on mental health evaluations or attempts to mitigate the charges through plea negotiations. However, prosecutors are expected to pursue the case vigorously, citing the brutality of the attack and the death of an innocent man.

Moving Forward: Seeking Justice, Honoring the Lost

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office continues to lead the investigation. Officials urge anyone with additional information, surveillance footage, or insight into the events leading up to the crime to come forward. Those with relevant details are asked to contact Detective Morillo at 732-745-8843 or Detective Kirsh at 732-745-3711.

In the meantime, Brandon Andrews-Cruz’s family is making funeral arrangements and preparing to lay him to rest. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs and legal expenses, with hundreds of donations pouring in from those who wish to honor his memory and support his loved ones.

“We are determined to see justice served,” said a close family friend. “Brandon’s life mattered. His story mattered. And we will not rest until the man who took him from us is held fully accountable.”

Conclusion

What happened on Tooz Place in the early hours of May 19, 2025, was not just a violent crime—it was a rupture in the lives of everyone who knew and loved Brandon Andrews-Cruz. As his family navigates unimaginable loss and a community struggles to understand how such brutality could strike so close to home, the demand for justice echoes far beyond the courtroom. It is a call for healing, reform, and remembrance—for a man whose life was ended too soon, and for the survivors who must carry on in the wake of his death.

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