On the two-year anniversary of Jennifer Farber Dulos’ disappearance, another domestic violence case has taken center stage in Connecticut.Tahj Hutchinson, 22, was arraigned Monday, accused of killing his wife, 30-year-old Jessica Edwards, in their South Windsor home. Edwards went missing May 10. Her family hadn’t heard from her, and her husband claimed she had taken off and never returned.
On May 21, after extensive searching, her body was found in woods in East Hartford. Hutchinson was taken into custody later Friday night, and according to the affidavit released by South Windsor police, he admitted they had a violent fight. Hutchinson later told police he pinned Edwards to the floor, holding her back and neck down until he realized she was dead.
An advocate for Edwards’ family, Keren Alexis Prescott, said this has been devastating for them.
“He knew what had happened, even though he confessed, he knew what had happened, allegedly he knew where she was,” said Prescott. “Meanwhile, friends and family and the community, meanwhile her mom is on Channel 4 crying her eyes out, and he’s home watching the news and all the while he knew.”
Prescott said they can’t get justice because they will never be able to bring Edwards home, but they can hold Hutchinson accountable. She said not only is the family dealing with their own grief, but they also are now raising Edwards’ 7-month-old baby.
“This trauma that they are experiencing, first birthdays, her birthday, anniversaries, the day she was supposed to graduate from MCC, each of these things that come and pass, a Mother’s Day, a Father’s Day, these things will continue to bring up emotions and stress and trauma,” said Prescott.
Prescott spoke at the arraignment and asked the judge to deny bail. The judge increased Hutchinson’s bond to $1.5 million.