By Laura Silvius and Rick Burchfield
The Patch
December 22, 2011
http://morris.patch.com/articles/feliciano-guilty-on-all-charges-in-priest-murder-case
[with video]
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Jose Feliciano was found guilty by a Morris County Superior Court jury Thursday of all charges in the murder of the Rev. Edward Hinds, who Feliciano is convicted of stabbing to death at St. Patrick Church in Chatham. Two of the charges were murder and felony murder.
Hinds' second cousin, Daniel Miller, 49, was present throughout the majority of the trial proceedings and said "justice has been served."
"It's a shame that this pig was able to take such a precious commodity from our family, from the community," Miller said.
Miller said he felt for Feliciano's children at this time, but was hopeful he would "never have the opportunity to hurt anyone else again. ... Words can't describe the damage he tried to do to a good man."
Miller's wife, Carol Ann, cried after the verdict was read. She said she was "relieved, happy" and "glad it's over."
Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi moved to consolidate three aggravating charges into one, since the 30-year mandatory sentence for felony murder meant "[Feliciano] would essentially be spending the rest of his life in state prison."
The three factors include the aggravated assault on Hinds, the hindering of his apprehension and one of the robbery charges.
Feliciano had pleaded not guilty to all charges. He had admitted to stabbing Hinds, 66, while on the stand during the trial, but said he was provoked when Hinds, the former pastor from St. Patrick Church, fired him after he tried to end a sexual relationship between himself and the priest. Feliciano had been a custodian at the church for 18 years at the time of the Oct. 22, 2009 murder.
“I am proud and honored to have been part of a process to vindicate Father Hinds’ murder and the slander of his reputation, which obviously the jury soundly did not believe," Bianchi said in a statement. "I can think of no greater Christmas gift to Father Hinds’ soul, and for those that loved and respected him that this conviction happens at Christmas time.”
For a video of Bianchi's post-verdict press conference, click here.
The Diocese of Paterson released a statement Thursday, thanking the prosecutor.
"The verdict declaring that Jose Feliciano was guilty of the murder of Father Edward Hinds brings at least some closure to the grieving of his family, the parishioners of Saint Patrick in Chatham, his friends, and the entire diocese," the statement read. "Father Hinds suffered a brutal and painful death. We continue to pray for him that he enjoy the reward of being a great priest and shepherd of souls.
"The diocese thanks Robert Bianchi, the Morris County Prosecutor, his staff, and all law enforcement officials who were part of the investigation and trial. They accomplished their work with honor, integrity, and diligence."
Capt. Jeffrey Paul, spokesman for the prosecutor's office, said the sentencing, which was originally scheduled for January, will take place sometime in February. Feliciano faces 30 years to life in prison.
The full list of charges Feliciano was found guilty of are: murder, felony murder, robbery with force, robbery with a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and hindering apprehension.
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