Brick Woman To Serve Four Years in Stabbing Death of Fiancé, Self-Defense Considered

Ciara Williams (Photo: Ocean County Jail)

A Brick Township woman who stabbed her fiancé last year, ultimately leading to his death, will serve four years in prison, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Ciara Williams, 28, of Brick, received the sentence Wednesday. She had previously pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in the case.

The killing took place Sept. 29, 2019, according to authorities. Brick Township Police were called to Ocean Medical Center for a report of a male victim with an apparent stab wound to his chest.  Police were able to ascertain that the victim, Dennis Power, 35, also of Brick, was driven to the hospital by a female later determined to be his fiancé, Williams.

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Hospital staff found Power unconscious in the car, but still breathing.  He was rushed inside the hospital where lifesaving measures were attempted. Ultimately, however, Power succumbed to his injuries.

Williams fled the scene before police arrived.  Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Williams stabbed Power in the chest, and was responsible for the injuries which ultimately led to his death.

Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer explained the plea deal and addressed the length of Williams’ sentence in comparison with her actions.

“Williams originally faced more significant charges with greater sentencing exposure, but legitimate self-defense claims arose during the course of the investigation which we were compelled to take into account in evaluating this very difficult case,” Billhimer said. “The claims of self-defense, coupled with considerable proof problems, led to a resolution which we believe to be fair and just after careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances.

Williams will be mandated to serve at least 85 percent of her sentence before she is considered for parole eligibility.

“Williams has been made to answer for her crime, and will be required to spend the next few years in state prison as a result,” Billhimer said. “We hope this prison sentence provides some level of peace and closure to the family of Mr. Powers.”