Man arrested after 16-year-old finds his mother stabbed to death

EDISON, N.J. (TCN) -- A 37-year-old man faces charges in connection with the stabbing death of a woman whose 16-year-old son found her body.

According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, on Sunday, July 21, Edison Police responded to a report of a stabbing. Officers found 37-year-old Lizbeth Benitez-Rivera with stab wounds, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Further investigation revealed Benitez-Rivera’s son reportedly woke up in the afternoon and discovered his mother dead. Prosecutors said Joan Polanco "was seen entering the bedroom with a knife and leaving the residence shortly after the incident occurred." Hours later, New York City Police located and arrested Polanco in connection with Benitez-Rivera’s death.

According to NJ.com, investigators believe Polanco knew Benitez-Rivera, but prosecutors did not disclose the nature of their relationship.

Polanco faces charges of first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He awaits extradition back to New Jersey.