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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 death is being investigated as a homicide.
A preliminary investigation indicated she suffered blunt force trauma to the head, they said. An autopsy will be performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood to determine the cause and manner of death.
A person of interest has been taken into custody on charges stemming from the investigation into her death, they said.
Andrew Kramer, 31, of Mantua Township in Gloucester County, who was acquainted with Malcolm, allegedly used Malcolm's debit card Wednesday, Coffina and Riedener said. Kramer allegedly withdraw money from cash machines at convenience stores at approximately 2:15 a.m. in Marlton, Burlington County, and 4 a.m. in Brooklawn, Camden County, they said. Kramer was driving Malcolm's silver 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the time, they said.
Kramer was next spotted in Philadelphia where, at gunpoint, he allegedly approached a man and told him he needed a ride, they said. The victim told Kramer that he could stay in his garage. After Kramer entered the garage, the victim locked him in and called police, who arrived and took him into custody, they said.
The Philadelphia Police Department was preparing to charge Kramer with weapons offenses and making terroristic threats, they said. The BCPO was preparing charges against him for credit card and motor vehicle theft, the prosecutor said. No homicide charges relating to Malcolm’s death had been filed against Kramer.
Police are asking for the public’s help with locating Malcolm’s 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which carries New Jersey license plate number M73 HKY. Anyone who sees the vehicle is asked to call the Mount Laurel Police Department at 856-234-1414 ext. 1524 or send an email to tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
The investigation is being conducted by the BCPO, the Mount Laurel Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Detective Daniel Schules and Mount Laurel Police Detective Aaron Harty.
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