Press Release
HUSBAND INDICTED FOR FATALLY STABBING WIFE INSIDE FLUSHING SPA WHERE SHE WORKED
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jiahai Ma has been indicted by a grand jury on murder and weapon charges for allegedly stabbing his wife to death inside of her place of employment at a Flushing spa on Kissena Boulevard on September 3.
District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, the defendant carried out a brutal and fatal attack against his wife inside of her place of business. Partners should never have to fear for their safety at the hands of those they love. I urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to contact our 24-hour hotline at 718-286-4410. We can help with safety planning services, securing an order of protection or shelter placement.”
Ma, 25, of Cherry Avenue in Flushing, was arraigned yesterday afternoon before Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder on an indictment charging him with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Ma was remanded and ordered to return to court on November 13.
According to the indictment and charges:
- On September 3, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Ma entered the business at 41-39 Kissena Boulevard, approached Guimei Tang, who was his wife, and a verbal dispute ensued.
- During the dispute, Ma stabbed Tang multiple times with a knife in the neck, chest and arm.
- The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
- Ma remained at the scene, covered in what appeared to be blood, and was apprehended by members of the NYPD’s 109th
- A knife covered in what appeared to be blood was found at the scene.
Senior Assistant District Attorney John Esposito of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau is prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Joseph Randazzo, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys John Kosinski, Bureau Chief, and Karen Ross, Deputy Bureau Chief, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Shawn Clark.
**Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.