St. James Man Convicted of Strangling Pregnant Wife: Sentencing Approaches
A St. James man has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the strangulation death of his pregnant and estranged wife. Michael Owen, 30, was convicted last Friday in Mineola after a Nassau County jury deliberated for approximately two hours. The tragic incident occurred in January 2020, when Owen ended the life of Kelly Owen, 27, who was in the early stages of pregnancy and hoping to reconcile with her estranged husband.
Nassau District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly expressed her condolences to Kelly’s family and emphasized that she was a bright young mother with dreams of becoming a nurse. Kelly worked as an aide at an aftercare program at a local elementary school and shared custody of her six-year-old son with Michael. The devastating loss leaves her family and loved ones in mourning.
Owen’s sentencing is scheduled for September 19, where he faces a potential maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The trial, which began on July 17, featured emotional testimonies and strong evidence presented by the prosecution. However, Owen’s attorney, Joseph Hanshe, intends to file a motion seeking to overturn the conviction, arguing that the case was based on circumstantial evidence.
The events leading to Kelly Owen’s tragic death unfolded when she did not show up for work one day. Concerned, a co-worker contacted Kelly’s parents, who discovered her lifeless body in the apartment she shared with them on First Avenue in Farmingdale. The evidence pointed to strangulation with a ropelike object. Surveillance video revealed Michael Owen’s vehicle near the victim’s neighborhood on the morning of her death. By parking two blocks away and turning off his phone, Owen attempted to avoid detection.
Disturbingly, after the murder, Owen deleted messages from both his and his wife’s phones. These actions raise questions about his involvement and motive. The Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad arrested Owen on January 28, 2020.
As this heartbreaking case moves toward its conclusion, the community mourns the loss of a promising young life and contemplates justice for the victim and her unborn child. In the face of overwhelming evidence, the jury’s decision holds Owen accountable for the heinous crimes he committed. The impending sentencing will determine the length of his imprisonment, delivering justice and closure to those affected by this tragic event.
Moving forward, it is crucial to remember Kelly Owen’s aspirations and the potential that was stolen from her. This chilling case serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.
