Man Accused of Killing Former Lover Pleads Not Guilty

The 22-year-old Bergen County man accused of strangling the mother of his child just days after her birthday pleaded not guilty to a slew of charges related to her killing on Friday.

Mark Spatucci, of Waldwick, did not speak during an appearance in Bergen County Superior Court Friday, and his attorney entered not guilty pleas on his behalf, according to an NJ.com report.

Spatucci is accused of entering Mary Greff’s second floor bedroom window on Tuesday evening. The couple then allegedly got into an argument that turned violent, according to Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli.

Spatucci allegedly killed Greff, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on Monday, and left the Midland Park High School grad lying dead on her bed. 

A 8-month-old toddler, who authorities say is the child of Spatucci and Greff, was laying in a bassinet nearby when his mother was killed.

Greff's parents went out the following morning and found her body when they returned at about 11 a.m.

Spatucci was arrested in Midland Park on Wednesday afternoon and charged with murder, felony murder, burglary, endangering the welfare of a child and hindering apprehension.

Spatucci is being held in Bergen County Jail on $2 million bail, according to NJ.com.

The restaurant was scheduled to open Sunday morning. Training was cancelled “to allow our employees time to gather and reflect on the situation,” a statement on the restaurant’s Facebook page said. The restaurant plans to open Monday.

Restaurant employees will establish a scholarship fund for Greff's son.