Police Capture Man Who Allegedly Slit His Wife's Throat in Front of Their Young Son

A man who allegedly slit his estranged wife’s throat in front of their young son in New Jersey has been captured by police after a manhunt, according to police.

Jeremiah Monell, 32, was captured Monday, two weeks after his estranged wife Tara O’Shea, 36, was found dead in her home by state troopers on December 19, according to reports.

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Friends and family told ABCNews.com that Monell had a history of being abusive and that O’Shea was trying to get away from him.

They also told the station that Monell allegedly committed the murder in front of the ex-couple’s 12-year-old son.

"She did everything she could to get away from him," childhood friend Jennifer Messeck said. “He needs to be punished and he needs to be caught for what he did to these kids, to her and her family.”

Police had originally only called the death “suspicious,” but now Monell has been charged with murder, according to reports.

Read: Cops: Suspect in Murder of 'Step Up' Actress Found Bound With Seat Belt Claims She Killed Herself

Authorities were previously offering a $2,500 reward for his capture.

Messeck started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover O'Shea's funeral expenses.

"Tara was taking from her children, family and friends way too soon,” Messeck wrote on the page.

Police told insideEdition.com that Monell has been transported to the hospital due to violent behavior. 

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