After another emotional day investigating domestic violence and child abuse cases in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Rafaelito Cruz sat down to dinner with his wife and two of his three children. After the meal, the 51-year-old special victims unit detective sergeant lingered by the family piano. His son Julian, 18, was teaching himself how to play the song "Unchained Melody.
" "Wow, Julian, that's beautiful," Rafaelito said. "I can't wait until you learn the whole thing." Soon after, Rafaelito and his wife, MiLinda, went to bed.
At 3 a.m., Rafaelito was breathing so loud and fast that he awoke MiLinda.
Thinking he was having a nightmare, she gently tapped his arm. "Baby, wake up," she said. Rafaelito didn't budge.
She shook him harder. His body felt tense, clenched. MiLinda flipped on the nightstand lamp.
Rafaelito's face was pale and his lips were tinged blue. MiLinda grabbed her phone and dialed 911. She unlocked their front door for first responders, then ran back to their bedroom.
Rafaelito's breathing slowed. Then it stopped. MiLinda started CPR.
"What's happening?" the dispatcher asked. "I can't hear his heartbeat," MiLinda responded. "Do you know CPR?" said the dispatcher.
"I can instruct you." "I'm already doing it!" she said. MiLinda continued chest compressions until first responders arrived.
It was a skill she picked up at a CPR class she took over 20 years ago. When Barnegat Township Police Department officers arrived, they shocked Rafaelito three times with an automated.