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A New Jersey woman accused of shooting her husband dead on Christmas Day claimed she killed him in self-defense — despite prosecutors pointing out that the victim was watching TV while naked in bed when he died.

Marylue Wigglesworth, 51, from Hamilton Township, was ordered Tuesday to remain jailed until her murder trial stemming from the fatal shooting of her husband, 57-year-old David Wigglesworth.

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Patricia Wild refused to set a bond for Wigglesworth’s release because of the severity of the charge against her.

Wigglesworth’s defense team argued that their client has been “overcharged” for acting in self-defense, claiming that the woman “feared for her life” during a fight with her allegedly abusive husband, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

Atlantic County Assistant Prosecutor Seth Levy countered by telling the court that the victim was “naked and in bed with the TV on” when he was fatally shot by his wife inside their home in the 5200 block of Somers Point-Mays Landing Road on the night of Dec. 25.

Wigglesworth’s lawyers claimed she was the victim of domestic abuse, and had bruises and injuries on her arms and torso on Christmas.


  A New Jersey woman accused of shooting dead her husband on Christmas Day claimed she killed him in self-defense. Facebook/Mary Wigglesworth A New Jersey woman accused of shooting dead her husband on Christmas Day claimed she killed him in self-defense. Facebook/Mary Wigglesworth

  Marylue Wigglesworth, 51, was ordered to remain in jail until her murder trial for the killing of her husband, David Wigglesworth. Atlantic County Prosecutors Offi Marylue Wigglesworth, 51, was ordered to remain in jail until her murder trial for the killing of her husband, David Wigglesworth. Atlantic County Prosecutors Offi

  Though Wigglesworth claims she acted in self-defense, prosecutors pointed out her husband was watching TV while naked in bed when he died. Facebook/David Wigglesworth Though Wigglesworth claims she acted in self-defense, prosecutors pointed out her husband was watching TV while naked in bed when he died. Facebook/David Wigglesworth

Defense attorney Melissa Rosenblum also stressed that Wigglesworth openly admitted to the killing, telling police at least six times that she shot her husband during an altercation.

Prior to his death, David Wigglesworth — known as “Wiggy” to friends and family — was active in local politics. In 2019, he unsuccessfully campaigned as a Republican for township committee, New Jersey 101.5 reported

When he was not pursuing a career in local politics, Wigglesworth made a living as a union electrician.

His wife volunteered for various churches and had no history of run-ins with the law — a fact her defense team pointed to in arguing for her release.

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A picture of Marylue and David Wigglesworth.
Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Patricia Wild refused to set a bond for Wigglesworth’s release.Facebook/Mary Wigglesworth
A picture of Marylue and David Wigglesworth.
Wigglesworth’s defense team argued that their client has been “overcharged” for acting in self-defense.Facebook/David Wigglesworth
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A picture of Marylue and David Wigglesworth.
Wigglesworth’s defense team claims she “feared for her life” during a fight with her allegedly abusive husband, according to The Press of Atlantic City.Facebook/Mary Wigglesworth
A picture of Marylue and David Wigglesworth.
Defense attorney Melissa Rosenblum also stressed that Wigglesworth told police she shot her husband at least six times during an altercation. Facebook/David Wigglesworth
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  Prior to his death, David Wigglesworth, known as “Wiggy” to friends and family, was active in local politics. Facebook/David Wigglesworth Prior to his death, David Wigglesworth, known as “Wiggy” to friends and family, was active in local politics. Facebook/David Wigglesworth

“The court does not find that those particular arguments have overcome the presumption of detention,” Wild ruled.

Wigglesworth is due back in court for another hearing on Feb. 3.

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