Police: East Windsor Man Brutally Stabbed in Hightstown Parking Lot

Hightstown Borough police arrested two local men in connection with an attempted murder, robbery, and aggravated assault that took place in the rear lot of the Westerlea Arms Apartments on Wednesday shortly after 2:45 a.m.

Two residents of Building 8 within the Westerlea Arms Apartments, Edwin Merlino, 21, and Alex Martinez, 18,  were arrested at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, police said. 

East Windsor resident Dario Mogrovejo, 37, dropped off someone in the rear lot of Westerlea Arms Apartments when he was waved down by Merlino, according to police. When Mogrovejo stopped the car, Martinez opened the passenger door of the car, demanded money, and then began stabbing him, police said. Martinez stabbed and sliced at Mogrovejo around the head, chest, arms and hands. The two men began fighting when Merlino approached and began striking and stabbing Mogrovejo too, police said. 

According to police, Martinez suffered injuries and wounds from the knife during the struggle, as well. 

Mogrovejo was able to defend himself from the suspects and drove himself to the Hightstown Police Department for help. He was transported to Capital Health, Helene Fuld Campus in Trenton where he was rushed into surgery in critical condition and survived. 

Martinez was also transported to Capital Health, Helene Fuld Campus, in Trenton where he was treated. 

Police charged Merlino with attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, criminal trespass, and obstructing the administration of law, according to police. Merlino was also charged with contempt of court for three outstanding warrants: a $500 warrant out of Hightstown, a $1,500 warrant out of North Brunswick, and an $800 warrant out of New Brunswick, police said.

Martinez was charged with attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon of unlawful purposes, criminal trespass, and obstructing the administration of law, according to police. He was also charged with possession of stolen property after police found various items from recent Hightstown  burglaries in his possession at the time of the arrest, according to police. 

They are both remanded in Mercer County Adult Correctional Center in default of $1,000,000 full cash or bond for both subjects.