October trial set for man charged in wife's 2005 death

Durham, N.C. — A former Durham resident pleaded not guilty Monday to killing his wife more than seven years ago, and his trial was set for October.

Raven Abaroa, 32, is charged with first-degree murder in the April 26, 2005, death of his wife.

Janet Abaroa, 25, was pregnant with her second child when she was stabbed to death in an upstairs room at the couple's Durham home.

Raven Abaroa has maintained that he was at a soccer game when his wife was killed and that he found her when he returned home later that night. He was arrested in February 2010 in Idaho, where he and the couple's son, Kaiden, had moved after Janet Abaroa's death.

Prosecutors said during a brief court hearing Monday that they have withdrawn all plea offers.

The trial was set to begin the week of Oct. 29.

"We are pleased it is moving forward," said Tim Dowd, a spokesman for Janet Abaroa's family. "It's been over seven years – by the time we get to the trial, 7½ years – so we are looking forward to this case being resolved and looking forward to the prosecution vigorously pursing justice for Janet and her unborn child."

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Latest Comments

I bet it was a secret boyfriend... hell hath no fury like a man scorned.

Marty King
June 6, 2012 11:51 a.m.

was divorce too expensive/not an option in this state from 2005-2008???

sjb2k1
June 5, 2012 3:20 p.m.

affirmativediversity and dollibug I agree with you both!! I told my husband that if anything ever happens to me, he better head for the hills because he will end up in jail even if he didn't do it!! He wouldn't stand a chance in NC!

Ambygirl
June 5, 2012 3:06 p.m.

...unbelievable...if he did it, I hope he pays. per Wendellcatlover

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Apparently in North Carolina is doesn't matter whether he did it or not...He's the husband so he must of did it...he'll be found guilty whether he was 200 miles away at the time of the murder or whether he can prove his wife called him hours after the police say she was murdered...or whether there are tire tracks or footprints or even DNA at the scene that doesn't match his... Oh and if they get a hung jury they'll just keep trying him and trying him until they get the right combination of people who "Want their life back"!

affirmativediversity
June 5, 2012 2:11 p.m.

+++++I can't believe there's another husband in this area going on trial for the murder of his wife...unbelievable...if he did it, I hope he pays. Wendellcatlover

If he did it.....and there is *EVIDENCE* of him being guilty....well...I also hope that he pays for what he did..... several trials viewed last year and this year though.....did NOT have proof...but yet the accused was found GUILTY.....by hook or crook....some people get *convicted*....regardless...

dollibug
June 5, 2012 12:21 p.m.