East Hanover Man Sentenced to 15 Years for 2020 Death of His Wife

Published on July 12, 2024

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Chief Christopher Cannizzo of the East Hanover Police Department announce the sentencing of Alexander Jacobs, age 79, of East Hanover, in connection with the March 2020 death of his wife.

On July 12, 2024, the Honorable Stephen Taylor imposed an aggregate sentence of 15 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA). Jacobs entered a guilty plea before Judge Taylor to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter on May 31, 2024.

On March 26, 2020, at approximately 2:02 p.m., members of the East Hanover Township Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Selmar Terrace, East Hanover for a 911 call.  Upon arrival, first responding officers located the 911 caller outside the residence, who informed officers of a domestic incident involving a gun inside the residence.  

The investigation revealed that the defendant shot his wife Lilia Jacobs, 71, in the head resulting in her death.  Jacobs admitted discharging a loaded .380 Beretta, which caused her death.

Jacobs has been in custody throughout the duration of this case. 

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation which led to the successful prosecution, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, East Hanover Township Police Department, and Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigations Unit.   

Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to mknab@co.morris.nj.us