Harlem Man Decapitates Wife, 5-Year-Old Daughter, Hangs Self

The 42-year-old mom was found slashed to death with her 5-year-old daughter in their Harlem home. The cold-blooded murderer has been identified as the woman’s husband who had previously threatened to kill both the mother and her daughter if she tried to divorce him.

Jennifer Schlecht, 42, devoted her life to aiding women and young girls in restoration after they are forced to flee their homes due to war and natural disasters. The dedicated hard worker was mourned Thursday by her peers at Family Planning 2020, who identifies as the group that advocates for reproductive healthcare for women and girls throughout Africa and Southeast Asia.

The Executive Director Beth Schlachter of Family Planning 202 made the following statement:

“Jennifer Schlecht devoted her entire career to ensuring that women and girls in crisis situations have access to the best medical care possible including family planning and other reproductive health care.”

“She was a leader in the field of family planning and humanitarian response and chose to work from New York so she could have more time with her darling daughter. She delighted in telling us about her daughter’s first day of kindergarten and the clothes she picked out all by herself. In addition to being an adoring mother, her contribution to the lives of women and girls who are living in crisis situations has been extraordinary. That she should die under such brutal circumstances is beyond understanding.”

Her husband has been identified as Yonathan Tedla, 46. According to reports, Tedla used a silver hunting knife with a four- to five-inch blade to slash his wife’s throat. Tedla applied so much force that Schlecht was left decapitated.

Tedla had no mercy as he turned the knife on the couple’s daughter, Abaynesh, and proceeded to repeat the same execution on the young girl. Tedla ended his life by hanging himself from the bedroom door of his daughter with a rope, Fox News reported.

Schledt is remembered for her extensive work in her field. She is a graduate of Columbia University and pursued her career as a senior advisor on sexual and reproductive health for the Women’s Refugee Commission, as well as, director of HIV Supportive Services at Harlem Hospital.