The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office was called in to investigate this morning when the body of a 31-year-old woman, Shazina Khan (originally identified as Shazina Chan), was found in a Montclair apartment. Tonight, they announced the arrest of 41-year-old Bloomfield man, Khalid Khan. According to the prosecutor’s news release, there was a history of domestic complaints — but they don’t know whether or not there was a restraining order.

In the release, Montclair Police Chief David Sabagh was quoted as saying, “I want to reassure the residents of Montclair this is a targeted incident. I would also like to commend the Montclair Police and the Homicide Task Force for the swift arrest.”
The prosecutor added:

The investigation remains active and ongoing. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim had trauma to her body caused by a sharp object but the cause and manner of death will be officially determined following an autopsy tomorrow.

The couple have been separated since 2009. The defendant is currently being housed by the Homicide Task Force in the Prosecutor’s Office. He will be transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark. Bail was set at $1.5 million. The defendant is originally from Kenya. In addition to murder, the defendant is charged with weapons offenses.

According to the Star Ledger, neighbors told their reporter that Khan’s eight-year-old daughter was in the apartment at the time of the alleged murder.

Reports also identify her as a waitress at Jefferson’s Cafe on Maple Ave. The apartment was on Wheeler Street, across from Glenfield Park.

Related Posts:

• Grand Jury Indicts Husband in Khan Murder
• Superior Court Judge Cuts Khalid Khan’s Bail in Half
• Baskerville Coordinating Effort to Raise Funds for Khan Daughter