Howell man, 24, accused of fatally stabbing mother while she slept: cops

HOWELL – A 24-year-old man was arrested and charged with fatally stabbing his mother in her sleep early Monday, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said.

Robert J. Parody is in Monmouth County Jail, charged with the murder of his 61-year-old mother, Loretta Parody, Santiago said. He is also charged with weapons offenses.

Township police responded to the Parody family home at 67 Porter Road shortly before 1:30 a.m. and quickly arrested Robert Parody without incident while Loretta Parody was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment, Santiago said. The victim was later pronounced dead, he added.

An investigation involving members of the DA's Major Crimes Bureau and Howell police revealed that Robert Parody entered his mother's bedroom and stabbed her in the chest while she slept, Santiago said.

The defendant remains in jail awaiting a detention hearing.

A crime scene tape cordoned off Parody's home Monday. Unmarked police cars were parked in the driveway and investigators were in and out of the 2 1/2-story house much of the day.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, with a large wraparound porch, sits on 2.5 acres on a tree-lined street occupied by homes ranging from farms to smaller, more modest residences. The 3,000-square-foot home was valued at more than $1 million in 2022, according to Zillow.

Voter records show Robert lived there with his mother, as did 60-year-old Christopher Parody and 28-year-old Kellie Parody.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crime to call District Attorney Detective Joshua Rios at 800-533-7443 or Howell Police Sgt. Nick Saltzman at 732-938-4111.

This is a developing story. Check back on APP.com for updates.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Howell man, 24, accused of fatally stabbing mother while she slept: cops