Content warning: This story contains a description of alleged domestic violence and details of an active homicide investigation.
ITHACA, N.Y. — Ithaca police have identified the victim in Monday’s homicide on South Plain Street as Alaa Husein Jeena Abedi, the wife of the primary suspect in the case, according to an announcement Friday afternoon.
Ithaca resident and Cornell University employee Ahmed Abed allegedly killed the woman in the early hours of the morning. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime. Abed turned himself in to the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) shortly after the incident and was taken into custody.
Abed has been charged with second-degree murder. He is incarcerated at Tompkins County Jail while he awaits a court date, according to IPD Sergeant Justin Baldessare.
According to the charging documents submitted to Ithaca City Court by police, Abed allegedly struck his wife with a cinderblock as she slept and subsequently stabbed her several times as she defended herself.
When asked during a police interview shortly after the crime occurred, Abed told police that he “intended to kill [his] wife,” according to the charging document.
Second-degree murder charges are considered one of the highest degrees of felony in New York and carry a minimum sentence of 15-40 years in prison if convicted. Second-degree murder charges are typically used in homicide cases where there were no additional aggravating factors or crimes committed in the commission of the homicide — otherwise it would be increased to a first-degree murder charge.
Baldessare did not immediately respond to a follow-up question regarding the determination of the second-degree murder charge or if other charges are pending.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice show that domestic abuse accounts for some 21% of all violent crimes nationally.
Baldessare said there are resources available for those who are currently facing domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is a silent epidemic affecting millions every year. It can happen to anyone — regardless of age, gender, or background,” Baldessare wrote. “No one deserves to live in fear. Help is available, you are not alone. Speak up, reach out, and take the first step toward safety.”
If you or someone you know is in danger, call the National Domestic Violence hotline at
1-800-799-7233. Locally, the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County provides confidential help and other resources. They can be reached at (607) 277-5000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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