NCDA: Merrick man arraigned on murder charges for strangling his wife

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A Merrick man was arraigned on murder charges Wednesday for allegedly strangling his wife in February, according to a release from Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas's office. 
 
John Gerges, 60, was arraigned on the charges of second-degree murder and first-degree strangulation in the death of his wife, Marvat. He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. Gerges faces a maximum 25 years to life in prison sentence if convicted of the top count.
 
"This defendant allegedly strangled his wife after an argument inside their home," Singas said. "These allegations represent the tragedy of family violence, and my heart goes out to Mrs. Gerges's son and other family members as they continue to mourn the loss of Marvat."
 
Gerges will remain in custody until his court date on June 9.
 
In the early morning hours of Feb. 22, Gerges allegedly strangled Marvat, 58, inside their home at 14 Lindgren St. after a verbal argument over the bathroom sink, Singas said. 
 
Nassau County homicide detectives had reported that the Gerges's 32-year-old son was leaving for work that day at 3 a.m., and observed his parents arguing over the sink.
 
When he returned home around 2:30 p.m., the son found Marvat in the guest bedroom with marks around her neck and immediately called 911. Marvat was pronounced dead at the scene. A medical examiner had determined asphyxiation as the cause of death, detectives said.
 
Gerges was not home at the time the body was found, and did not return until the following morning, when he was questioned by detectives. He told authorities that he and his wife were involved “in a physical fight” following the argument,  Det. Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said, adding that Gerges “put his hands on Marvat, ceasing her ability to breath and causing asphyxiation, [which caused] her death.”
 
Gerges was arrested following questioning. 

When leaving the detention facility at Nassau County Police Headquarters following his February arrest, Gerges told reporters, “I’m innocent.” He also told reporters that he had been “abused [by his wife] for years,” but Fitzpatrick said there was no prior history of domestic incidences between the couple on file within the department.

The Gergeses were married for 37 years. Neighbors told detectives that John was “a quiet neighbor,” Fitzpatrick said. Singas reported that Marvat was homebound by severe arthritis, and John was helping to take care of her, Fitzpatrick said.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Palma of Singas's Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting this case; Ira Weissman, Esq. is representing the defendant.
 
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.