Montclair stabbing suspect to undergo psychiatric testing
ERIN ROLL/STAFF
By ERIN ROLL
roll@montclairlocal.news
Ahighah Broomes, accused of stabbing and killing his ex-girlfriend in Montclair last week, will remain behind bars pending a psychiatric evaluation.
Broomes, 21, of Orange, appeared before Judge Nancy Sivilli during a brief detention hearing in Essex County Superior Court in Newark today, May 3.
Broomes is accused of stabbing 20-year-old Akirah Townes, also of Orange, during an altercation on Hartley Street in Montclair during the early morning hours of April 27. He turned himself in to Orange police several hours later that day.
On Thursday, Broomes was accompanied by his attorney Sean McGovern. The case is being prosecuted by assistant Essex County prosecutors Justin Edwab and Dawn Simonetti.
Several members of Townes' family were present in the courtroom during the hearing. She has nine siblings.
Family members said Townes had broken off the relationship with Broomes about a year ago.
Memorial services for Townes are scheduled for Saturday in Orange. Her family will also be holding a domestic violence rally at the Orange Police Department headquarters that day.
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