by: Chris Agee
BROOKLYN, NY – New information has surfaced about the suspect in the grisly murder of a pregnant woman this week in Brooklyn.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 22-year-old Tonie Wells was found dead from strangulation Wednesday at the bottom of a stairwell. She was eight months pregnant.
Neighbors were reportedly alerted to a disturbance at the residence after hearing the victim’s young child crying.
Police soon arrested her husband, Barry Wells, who they believe strangled her and pushed her down the steps.
Tonie Wells’ sister had reportedly contacted police out of concern for her safety, saying that she was “scared” of her husband. Two NYPD officers were suspended after they responded to her home but chose not to get out of their vehicle to check on her.
According to the New York Post, 29-year-old Barry Wells was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of strangling his wife to the point of unconsciousness.
He faced charges of felony second-degree strangulation for the July 20 incident. Authorities believe he dragged his wife down a set of stairs and into a closet, where he choked her until she lost consciousness.
A court granted Tonie Wells a temporary protection order against Barry Wells and set his bail at $5,000. He was scheduled to next appear in court on that case on Feb. 6.
After Barry Wells’ arrest Wednesday, he was reportedly transported in handcuffs by ambulance the next day to an area hospital for an undisclosed reason. He had not been formally charged in connection to his wife’s death as of the latest reports available.
Article Source: Husband accused of killing pregnant wife was arrested months ago for strangling her until she blacked out: Reports