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Salvadoran couple brought to court in fight that killed Waldwick mother

Two illegal Salvadoran immigrants from Waldwick charged in the heart-attack death of the man’s 45-year-old mother during a violent fight were brought to court in Hackensack today.

Photo Credit: CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Correspondent Mary K. Miraglia
Photo Credit: CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Correspondent Mary K. Miraglia

Claudia Yanira Hernandez Soriano, 25 and Juan Francisco Martinez Rojas, 28 were fighting after a late-night party on Sunday when Ana Angelina Rojas-Jovel tried to intervene, authorities said.

Hernandez Soriano assaulted the woman, sending her into cardia arrest, they said.

Hernandez Soriano was charged with four criminal complaints, the most serious of which is manslaughter by causing the death of Anna Rojas, a second-degree crime.

Both also are charged with endangering the welfare of their 6-year-old daughter, who police said witnessed the assaults.

In addition, Hernandez Soriano is charged with hiding bloody clothing and lying to police.

Each is also charged with simple assault against the other, Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Kristin DeMarco said.

The Division of Child Permanency and Placement was putting the girl into foster care, Superior Court Judge James J. Guida said.

Guida ordered the couple to have no contact with the girl either directly or through an intermediary. The youngster isn’t permitted a passport, he said.

If either or both makes bail and tries to contact the girl, they will immediately be returned to the Bergen County Jail, the judge said.

Guida entered “not guilty” pleas on behalf of both and continued $250,000 bail for Hernandez Soriano and $75,000 bail for Martinez Rojas. There are ICE detainers on both for possible deportation.

STORY/PHOTOS: CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Correspondent Mary K. Miraglia

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