Charges for Attempted Murder; Aggravated Assault; Aiding Suicide against local male

Bergenfield Police Department reports that charges have been filed against John Humbert, age 66, Bergenfield, for Aggravated Assault, Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Aiding Suicide and Attempted Murder.

            On Saturday September 13, at approximately 8:56 AM, officers responded to the rear of 20 W. Church Street on the report of a disoriented male in need of medical attention. Officers found John Humbert with partially healed wounds consistent with having been inflicted with a cutting instrument. Further investigation found he admitted to inflicting such wounds upon himself. Mr. Humbert was transported to Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus after officers consulted with the Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program (PESP) counselor. Continued investigation at Mr. Humbert’s apartment, located on W. Church Street, found his wife, Joyce Humbert age 62, with similar wounds and in need of immediate medical attention. Mrs. Humbert also displayed signs of mental instability as well as verbalizing suicidal thoughts.  She was transported by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps and paramedics from Holy Name Medical Center to Holy Name Emergency Room.

            The investigation continued and a search warrant was obtained for the Humbert apartment. Bergenfield detectives, along with detectives from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, executed the warrant and checked the location for further evidence. After interviews, consult with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the search warrant, John Humbert was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon (razor), aiding suicide and the attempted murder of his wife. Bail was set by Bergen County Superior Court Judge Edward Jerejian at $500,000 no 10%. Mr. Humbert was remanded to the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff at the Bergen Regional Medical Center in lieu of bail and further evaluation by mental health staff. Joyce Humbert is recovering from wounds she received and is expected to survive. She too will be evaluated further by mental health professionals before any release from the hospital.