Tag:

Scott Coffina

Mercy Killing? South Jersey Man May Have Killed Wife To End Suffering, Prosecutor Says Mercy Killing? South Jersey Man May Have Killed Wife To End Suffering, Prosecutor Says
Mercy Killing? South Jersey Man May Have Killed Wife To End Suffering, Prosecutor Says An 84-year-old South Jersey man who said his wife was suffering and "in poor health" stabbed her to death, authorities said. Dan Mook, who is accused of fatally stabbing his 82-year-old wife, turned the knife on himself afterward, but survived, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Mount Laurel Police Chief Stephen Riedener. Authorities are calling it a possible "mercy killing." Mook, 84, of Mount Laurel, was charged with murder and weapons offenses, Coffina and Riedener said. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden after the incident, and remains t…
MURDER: Woman Found Dead In South Jersey Motel, Authorities Say MURDER: Woman Found Dead In South Jersey Motel, Authorities Say
Murder: Woman Found Dead In South Jersey Motel, Authorities Say A woman was found dead in an apparent homicide at a South Jersey motel, authorities said. The unidentified victim's body was found inside a room at the Bel-Air Motor Lodge in Maple Shade, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. The investigation began just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, when police were called to the motel in the 2800 block of Route 73 for a report of an unresponsive female, Coffina said. An autopsy will be performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood to determine the cause and manner of death. No arrests have been made. No additional i…
Musician Slain In 'Sickening' NJ Shooting That Left Roomie Critical Had Big Instagram Presence Musician Slain In 'Sickening' NJ Shooting That Left Roomie Critical Had Big Instagram Presence
Musician Slain In 'Sickening' NJ Shooting That Left Roomie Critical Had Big Instagram Presence Shock and sadness spread on Friday, April 15 following a double shooting that left a beloved 27-year-old musician dead. Maurice Kobassic —who went by Millah Mack as an artist — posted videos of himself partying to his Instagram story in the hours before he was shot and killed near the entrance of the Fox Meadow Apartment Complex off Route 73 in Maple Shade with a gunshot wound around 3:30 a.m.  Kobassic was pronounced dead at the scene while his 26-year-old roommate was hospitalized in critical condition, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. An autopsy will be performed by Bur…
South Jersey Man Who Filmed Sex Assaults On Young Girl, Showed Buddy Gets 15 Years South Jersey Man Who Filmed Sex Assaults On Young Girl, Showed Buddy Gets 15 Years
South Jersey Man Who Filmed Sex Assaults On Young Girl, Showed Buddy Gets 15 Years A 28-year-old South Jersey man who videotaped sexual assaults of a young girl was sentenced to 15 years in State Prison, authorities announced Thursday, March 10. Cody Rodriguez must serve the entire term before becoming eligible for parole, under the sentence imposed by the Superior Court Judge Philip E. Haines. Rodriguez in September pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault. The investigation began in March 2021, when Rodriguez showed videos on his phone to a friend, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. That person then told the victim’s parents, who contacted the Pem…
Pair Indicted In Slaying Of Innocent Victim, Beloved NJ Teen On Autism Spectrum Pair Indicted In Slaying Of Innocent Victim, Beloved NJ Teen On Autism Spectrum
Pair Indicted In Slaying Of Innocent Victim, Beloved NJ Teen On Autism Spectrum Two men have been indicted on charges in connection with the April 2021 shooting death of Yahsinn "YaYa" Robinson, an innocent victim on the Autism spectrum, right outside of his South Jersey home, authorities announced. The indictment was returned against Sylas Young, 20, and Kavon Carter, 24 — both of Pemberton — and signed by Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina on Tuesday, March 1. Young was charged with murder (first-degree), conspiracy to commit murder, gang criminality and weapons offenses, while Carter was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, gang criminality and pro…
Volunteer Firefighter From NJ Busted With Child Porn: Prosecutor Volunteer Firefighter From NJ Busted With Child Porn: Prosecutor
Volunteer Firefighter From NJ Busted With Child Porn: Prosecutor A 36-year-old volunteer firefighter from South Jersey has been arrested on child porn charges, authorities said. Jay J. Howe of Bordentown Township was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Bordentown Township Police Chief Brian Pesce. Howe, who is a member of a volunteer fire department in Bordentown City, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 9  Howe was taken into custody at his residence after a warranted search, the prosecutor said. Electronic devices seized during the search will be examined by…
Pennsylvania Pimp Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Of Drugged Women In NJ Motels: Prosecutor Pennsylvania Pimp Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Of Drugged Women In NJ Motels: Prosecutor
Pennsylvania Pimp Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Of Drugged Women In NJ Motels: Prosecutor A 49-year-old man from Pennsylvania has been sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey state prison for human trafficking and failing to register as a sex offender, authorities said. Michael Tedesco, of Reading, admitted transporting women to motels in South Jersey to engage in paid sexual encounters that he arranged and then keeping a portion of what they earned for himself, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. Tedesco pleaded guilty in December to first-degree human trafficking as well as third-degree failure to register as a sex offender for an unrelated offense, Coffina sa…
Pickup Driver Was Going 75 MPH When He Struck, Killed Cyclist In Burlington County: Prosecutor Pickup Driver Was Going 75 MPH When He Struck, Killed Cyclist In Burlington County: Prosecutor
Pickup Driver Was Going 75 MPH When He Struck, Killed Cyclist In Burlington County: Prosecutor A 20-year-old motorist from Burlington County has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a bicyclist in December, authorities said. Dylan Weatherwalks of Chesterfield surrendered to authorities on Thursday, Feb. 3 and was being held at Burlington County Jail pending a first appearance in Superior Court. He's accused of speeding and driving recklessly, striking Julie Galezniak, 62, of Stratford, who was pronounced dead later that afternoon, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Chesterfield Township Police Chief Michael Davison. Heartbroken cyclists d…
Mount Laurel Man Indicted for Stalking Neighbor, Bias Intimidation, Damaging Cars: Prosecutor Mount Laurel Man Indicted for Stalking Neighbor, Bias Intimidation, Damaging Cars: Prosecutor
Mount Laurel Man Indicted for Stalking Neighbor, Bias Intimidation, Damaging Cars: Prosecutor A 46-year-old Burlington County man has been indicted on multiple charges including bias intimidation of his black neighbors, damaging property, stalking, criminal mischief, drug and weapons violations. The 15-count grand jury indictment was returned Friday against Edward C. Mathews of Mount Laurel, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina Mathews was being held in Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly, where he has been held since being taken into custody at his former residence in the 3600 block of Grammercy Way last summer, Coffina said. An investigation began July 2…
NJ Vet Nurse's Accused Killer Captured When Stranger Locks Him In Garage, Calls Police NJ Vet Nurse's Accused Killer Captured When Stranger Locks Him In Garage, Calls Police
NJ Vet Nurse's Accused Killer Captured When Stranger Locks Him In Garage, Calls Police A South Jersey accused of killing a veterinary nurse was taken into custody after a man he demanded a ride from at gunpoint convinced him to go into a garage in Philadelphia, while he called police, authorities said. Andrew Kramer, 31, was initially charged with stealing 38-year-old Melissa Malcolm's car and debit card, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. Kramer was living with Malcolm in Mount Laurel, until she asked him to move out, Coffina said. Malcolm -- a vet nurse at Blue Pearl in Levittown, PA -- failed to show up to work Wednesday, and was found dead in her bed by…
South Jersey Woman Found Beaten To Death, Person Of Interest Nabbed In Philly: Prosecutor South Jersey Woman Found Beaten To Death, Person Of Interest Nabbed In Philly: Prosecutor
South Jersey Woman Found Beaten To Death, Person Of Interest Nabbed In Philly: Prosecutor A 38-year-old woman from Burlington County was found bludgeoned to death in her bed, authorities said. A "person of interest" has been arrested in Philadelphia in connection with thefts from the woman, but no homicide charges have been filed, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. Melissa Malcolm, 38, was found dead after Mount Laurel police entered her home to conduct a wellness check at approximately 12:30 p.m. Wednesday because she did not show up for work, Coffina said. Coffina and Mount Laurel Township Police Chief Stephen Riedener said Thursday that Malcolm's d…
Burlington County Woman Gets 15 Years State Prison For Sexually Assaulting Child: Prosecutor Burlington County Woman Gets 15 Years State Prison For Sexually Assaulting Child: Prosecutor
Burlington County Woman Gets 15 Years State Prison For Sexually Assaulting Child: Prosecutor  A 26-year-old woman from Burlington County has been sentenced to 15 years in New Jersey state prison for sexually assaulting a child in her home early last year, authorities said. Rachel Karngbaye of Willingboro pleaded guilty in September 2021 to second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. She was sentenced to prison on Wednesday. An investigation began in January 2021 after the victim’s mother contacted Willingboro police to report the assault, Coffina said. Additional details ar…
Burlington County Parolee Charged With Possession, Sharing Child Porn: Prosecutor Burlington County Parolee Charged With Possession, Sharing Child Porn: Prosecutor
Burlington County Parolee Charged With Possession, Sharing Child Porn: Prosecutor A 35-year-old parolee from Burlington County has been charged with possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, authorities said. Myles T. Doyle, of the first block of Fieldcrest Drive in Westampton Township, was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Westampton Township Police Chief Stephen Ent. Doyle had been under parole supervision for life due to an unrelated conviction last year arising from the Prosecutors Office’s Operation Safe Quarantine initiative. In that case, he received a su…
Alleged Trenton Drug Dealer Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Death of South Jersey Man: Prosecutor Alleged Trenton Drug Dealer Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Death of South Jersey Man: Prosecutor
Alleged Trenton Drug Dealer Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Death of South Jersey Man: Prosecutor An alleged drug dealer from Trenton has been charged with causing the death of a Burlington County man who fatally overdosed on fentanyl, authorities said. Robert Rentas, 35, of the 100 block of Calhoun Street in Trenton, was charged with first-degree strict liability for drug-induced death and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Eastampton Township Police Chief Joseph Iacovitti. A detention hearing was scheduled for Friday in Superior Court.  An investigation began on Nov. 12, 2020, after Em…
Philly Man Gets 6 Years In NJ State Prison For Fatal High-Speed Crash On Tacony-Palmyra Bridge Philly Man Gets 6 Years In NJ State Prison For Fatal High-Speed Crash On Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
Philly Man Gets 6 Years In NJ State Prison For Fatal High-Speed Crash On Tacony-Palmyra Bridge A Philadelphia man who was driving at a high rate of speed on the Tacony-Palmyra bridge has been sentenced to six years in New Jersey state prison for his role in causing a five-car collision that killed one of the drivers, authorities said. Jonathan Ramos, 29, of Philadelphia pleaded guilty in July to leaving the scene of a fatal accident as well as traffic summonses for speeding and driving with a suspended license, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. Ramos was sentenced Wednesday by Superior Court Judge Philip E. Haines. A co-defendant, Brandon Moore, 24, also o…
South Jersey Man Indicted In Double Fatal Drive-By Shooting South Jersey Man Indicted In Double Fatal Drive-By Shooting
South Jersey Man Indicted In Double Fatal Drive-By Shooting A 33-year-old South Jersey man has been indicted in connection with a double shooting that left two men dead in their car while parked outside an Edgewater Park apartment house, authorities said. A grand jury indicted Andre Price of Willingboro on two counts of first-degree murder and several weapons offenses, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina  The indictment was returned Thursday. An arraignment is expected soon in Superior Court.  Price has been held at the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being extradited to New Jersey two months ago after…
Kitchen Knife Neck Stabbing Leads To Attempted Murder Charge, Burlington Prosecutor Says Kitchen Knife Neck Stabbing Leads To Attempted Murder Charge, Burlington Prosecutor Says
Kitchen Knife Neck Stabbing Leads To Attempted Murder Charge, Burlington Prosecutor Says A South Jersey man is facing an attempted murder charge after stabbing another man in the neck early Sunday morning, authorities said Monday. Burlington City police were called to a 500 block of Linden Avenue home just after 7 a.m. on reports of a stabbing, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and City of Burlington Police Chief John Fine said. There, they found a 28-year-old victim stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife, authorities said. He was taken to a Trenton hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. The investigation identified 39-year-old Terrel…
NJ Man Found Dead Behind Convenience Store Was With His Killer Hours Before, Authorities Say NJ Man Found Dead Behind Convenience Store Was With His Killer Hours Before, Authorities Say
NJ Man Found Dead Behind Convenience Store Was With His Killer Hours Before, Authorities Say A man whose body was found earlier this week behind a Mount Holly convenience store had been stabbed to death by a local resident, authorities said Friday. Jimir Wynn, 29, stabbed Sean Reynolds, 31, of Brick Township, multiple times the night of Sept. 6, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Mount Holly Township Police Chief Richard Spitler said. Reynolds had been at Wynn's home earlier that evening, they said. The following day, a child found Reynolds' body behind Millerie’s Market & Deli at the corner of Rancocas Road and King Street. Wynn was charged with Murder …
NJ High School Teacher Indicted For Sexual Relationship With Student NJ High School Teacher Indicted For Sexual Relationship With Student
NJ High School Teacher Indicted For Sexual Relationship With Student A former high school teacher in Burlington County has been indicted on charges of having a sexual relationship with a student, authorities announced. Gary Jiampetti, 44 -- formerly a teacher at at Rancocas Valley Regional High School -- was indicted by a Burlington County Grand Jury on two counts of official misconduct, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. The indictment was returned Aug. 31 and signed by First Assistant Prosecutor Philip S. Aronow. An arraignment will be held soon in Superior Court. The investigation began after the BCPO and the Mount Holly Township Polic…
Prosecutor: NJ Boy, 14, Driving Stolen Car Shot Dead By PA Man Prosecutor: NJ Boy, 14, Driving Stolen Car Shot Dead By PA Man
Prosecutor: NJ Boy, 14, Driving Stolen Car Shot Dead By PA Man Two people have been charged in the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy at a New Jersey gas station over the weekend. Tamir Phillips, 22, of Bensalem, PA, and Chelsea Holman, 29, of Willingboro, NJ, were arrested in the death of Jesse Everett on Aug. 21, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday. Phillips was charged with first degree murder and weapons offenses while Holman was slapped with hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice. Everett, 14, was apparently driving a 2014 Honda Civic reported stolen by the owner that day, according to Burlington Coun…
Prosecutor: NJ Drug Dealer Indicted In Woman's OD Death, Fentanyl In System Was 5X Lethal Dose Prosecutor: NJ Drug Dealer Indicted In Woman's OD Death, Fentanyl In System Was 5X Lethal Dose
Prosecutor: NJ Drug Dealer Indicted In Woman's OD Death, Fentanyl In System Was 5X Lethal Dose A Burlington County drug dealer was indicted on charges stemming from a woman's fatal overdose in 2019, authorities said. Antoine Crawley, 35, of Pemberton's Sunbury Village section, was charged by a grand jury in the death of 27-year-old Brittney Wallace, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. An autopsy found that the fentanyl level in Wallace's system was more than five times the lethal dose, authorities said. The indictment returned June 24 charges Crawley with strict liability for drug-induced death, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled …
US Marshals Arrest Fugitive In Double Fatal Shooting, South Jersey Prosecutor Says US Marshals Arrest Fugitive In Double Fatal Shooting, South Jersey Prosecutor Says
US Marshals Arrest Fugitive In Double Fatal Shooting, South Jersey Prosecutor Says A fugitive has been arrested by U.S. Marshals in Virginia in connection with a double-shooting that left two men dead in their car in South Jersey, authorities said. Andre Price, 33, of Willingboro has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for fatally shooting the men inside their vehicle, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Edgewater Park Township Police Chief Robert D. Hess. The victims reportedly were parking at an apartment complex in Edgewater Park Township when the drive-by shooting occurred, Coffina and Hess said on Wednesday. Price also was cha…
Suspended NJ Jail Officer Indicted In Shooting That Killed Medical Worker, Wounded Patient Suspended NJ Jail Officer Indicted In Shooting That Killed Medical Worker, Wounded Patient
Suspended NJ Jail Officer Indicted In Shooting That Killed Medical Worker, Wounded Patient A suspended New Jersey corrections officer who opened fire in a doctor's office when he couldn't book an appointment has been indicted for murder, authorities said. Bruce Gomola Jr., 52, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. Gomola, from Burlington Township, worked at Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly at the time of last summer's fatal shooting at a medical office, Coffina said. He has been suspended without pay and is being held in a detention facility in northern New Jersey, Coffin…
Homeless Man Indicted For Sexually Assaulting 2 Women At Knifepoint, Burlington Prosecutor Says Homeless Man Indicted For Sexually Assaulting 2 Women At Knifepoint, Burlington Prosecutor Says
Homeless Man Indicted For Sexually Assaulting 2 Women At Knifepoint, Burlington Prosecutor Says  A 29-year-old homeless man has been indicted on charges of sexually assaulting two women last summer after threatening them at knifepoint, authorities said. A grand jury returned two separate indictments against Shawn Midgette, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. Both indictments charge him with aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and several other assault and weapons charges, the prosecutor said. Midgette is expected to be arraigned in Superior Court in Mount Holly, Coffina said on Wednesday. An investigation began July 24, 2020, after an elderl…
2 South Jersey Men Face 5 Years State Prison On Child Porn Charges, Burlington Prosecutor Says 2 South Jersey Men Face 5 Years State Prison On Child Porn Charges, Burlington Prosecutor Says
2 South Jersey Men Face 5 Years State Prison On Child Porn Charges, Burlington Prosecutor Says Two men from South Jersey, one from Gloucester County and the other from Burlington County, face five years in state prison on child pornography charges, authorities said. In separate cases, Albert Pisanelli, 38, of Deptford and David Bucci, 42, of Burlington City,  both pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. Coffina said that both men admitted to possessing more than 25 images or videos of children engaging in sexual acts and sharing those files on the internet. Under plea-bargained agreements, Coffina …
2nd Suspect Surrenders In South Jersey Double Fatal Shooting, Burlington Prosecutor Says 2nd Suspect Surrenders In South Jersey Double Fatal Shooting, Burlington Prosecutor Says
2nd Suspect Surrenders In South Jersey Double Fatal Shooting, Burlington Prosecutor Says A 34-year-old fugitive from Burlington County has become the second person charged in connection with a fatal double shooting, authorities said. Two people were shot dead during a birthday party in January, according to  Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Edgewater Park Township Police Chief Robert D. Hess. David Armstrong, of Beaverdale Lane, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder,  conspiracy to commit murder and several weapons charges, they said. Armstrong turned himself at Willingboro Township police station on Tuesday, Coffina said.  Armst…
South Jersey Accountant, 80, Sentenced For Embezzling $2.5M From Employer, Prosecutor Says South Jersey Accountant, 80, Sentenced For Embezzling $2.5M From Employer, Prosecutor Says
South Jersey Accountant, 80, Sentenced For Embezzling $2.5M From Employer, Prosecutor Says An 80-year-old accountant from Burlington County is going to state prison for allegedly stealing more than $2.5 million from his employer, authorities said. Charles Esposito of Hainesport was sentenced to five years in prison for embezzling millions of dollars over a 14-year period, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. The octogenarian was working as an accounting manager in Moorestown, NJ, when the alleged thefts occurred, Coffina said. The alleged thefts were uncovered by Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Inc., which has offices and production plants in o…
Ex-Con, Teen Nabbed In Double Shooting That Killed Alleged South Jersey Drug Dealer Ex-Con, Teen Nabbed In Double Shooting That Killed Alleged South Jersey Drug Dealer
Ex-Con, Teen Nabbed In Double Shooting That Killed Alleged South Jersey Drug Dealer A South Jersey ex-con and teenager were captured by members of the U.S. Marshals and a regional task force for their roles in a home invasion robbery and shooting that left one woman dead last year, authorities said Wednesday. Semaj T. Pittman, 21, of Willingboro and a teenager from Evesham were charged with murder, robbery other related offenses in the February 2020 incident that killed 22-year-old Karla Winkler and injured her 24-year-old Philadelphia boyfriend, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina said. Police responding to The Arbors apartments in Maple Shade on reports of a …
REWARD: $5,000 Offered For Solid Tips In South Jersey Fatal Shooting REWARD: $5,000 Offered For Solid Tips In South Jersey Fatal Shooting
Reward: $5,000 Offered For Solid Tips In South Jersey Fatal Shooting Authorities in Burlington County are offering a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in a fatal shooting last fall. Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a $5,000 reward has been posted in an effort to gain the public’s help in solving the homicide of a 27-year-old man in Pemberton Township. The shooting occurred in the Sunbury Village section of the township on Nov. 3, 2020.  Shaimere Turner was a front-seat passenger in a vehicle that was struck by gunfire just after 4 a.m. along the 100 block of Kinsley Road, Coffina said. Shaimere…
Arrest Made In South Jersey Birthday Party Double Slaying; Ex-Con Released Earlier Due To COVID Arrest Made In South Jersey Birthday Party Double Slaying; Ex-Con Released Earlier Due To COVID
Arrest Made In South Jersey Birthday Party Double Slaying; Ex-Con Released Earlier Due To COVID A 27-year-old man from Burlington County has been arrested in connection with a double slaying at a birthday party, authorities said. Ronny Paden of Hawthorne Way in Delran was charged with first-degree murder and other weapons and conspiracy offenses, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Edgewater Park Township Police Chief Robert D. Hess  Paden was taken into custody on May 7, they said.  Paden reportedly was released from state prison on an earlier charge due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coffina said.  An investigation began after police were cal…
Ex-NJ Camp Counselor Admits Saving More Than 1,000 Child Pornography Images Ex-NJ Camp Counselor Admits Saving More Than 1,000 Child Pornography Images
Ex-NJ Camp Counselor Admits Saving More Than 1,000 Child Pornography Images A 36-year-old former camp counselor from Burlington County has admitted possessing more than 1,000 images of child pornography, authorities said. Stephen Gifford of Medford Township entered a guilty plea on May 5 in Superior Court in Mount Holly to endangering the welfare of a child, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina.  Gifford formerly worked with children at a Jewish summer camp in Medford Township, according to earlier media reports.  Gifford admitted to  guilty distributing child sexual assault material in exchange for a plea-bargained 10-year s…