BRICK, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A New Jersey woman who fatally stabbed her fiancé has been sentenced to four years in prison after claims that she was defending herself, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Officials initially charged 28-year-old Ciara Williams with murder and weapons offenses in the September 2019 death of 35-year-old Dennis Power.
Prosecutors later downgraded the charge to reckless manslaughter following "legitimate self-defense claims" that arose during the investigation, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.
"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," Billhimer said.
Williams pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in Power's death, and an attorney for Williams aid she drove Power to a hospital after stabbing him in the heart with a kitchen knife during a fight at their Brick Township apartment, the Asbury Park Press reported.
"This is not the action of someone who set out that day to kill someone," attorney Francis Hodgson said.
Video of the dispute that ended with Power's death shows him hitting Williams with a broomstick, leading her to call the police, Hodgson said.
But according to her attorney, Power grabbed the phone, prompting Williams to take a knife in order to protect herself.
"Her response was disproportionate; it was still a response to the actions of Mr. Power," Hodgson added.
"I had to defend myself," Williams said. "I'm not a monster."
Power's relatives however, said Williams was not the victim in the relationship. His sister cited an Instagram message he sent her eight months before his death.
"I am in an abusive relationship," the message read. "It's embarrassing. Who would believe me?"
Power's sister, Chelsea Miller, said Power was also planning on leaving Williams.
"His stuff was packed," she said. "He was ready to go, and she knew it … There's no doubt in my mind this was a calculated plan to end his life because he no longer wanted to be with Ciara."
Williams must serve 85 percent of her sentence before she's eligible for parole, the Asbury Park Press added.
