February 24, 2016
A pregnant woman who was targeted for a purse snatching last month in Asbury Park suffered a miscarriage as a result of the injuries she sustained during her struggle with the assailant, according to a criminal complaint released this week by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.
According to prosecutors, 35-year-old Margaret Vanelli attempted to rob the pregnant victim on Jan. 11, knocking her to the ground and engaging in a violent scuffle, Middletown Patch reports.
The victim, who was six weeks pregnant at the time, later miscarried. Her identity was not released due to privacy concerns.
As a result of the incident, Vanelli has been charged with aggravated assault with intent to cause serious bodily injury. She is being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $100,000 bail with no percent option.
Vanelli will next appear in court March 11.
