Local News- ELDERLY MAN KILLED IN MULLICA'S FIRST MURDER IN MORE THAN A DECADE
MULLICA TWP. -- The murder of a senior citizen has rocked a quiet Atlantic County community. It's the first homicide in Mullica Township in more than a dozen years and neighbors say they're left with more questions than answers.
Police dogs searched for clues Monday afternoon outside the Mullica Township home where....Continue Reading
77 year-old John Kingsbury was murdered. "I think he's only been here approximately two months," said Howard Abbott, who lives across the street, "he was from California." Neighbors say the man was living in the Woodland Avenue home with his son, who along with his children discovered the victim, around 3:00 Sunday afternoon. Authorities say he had been shot twice, sources say he had been shot in the head, and neighbors can't imagine who would've done it. "Some kind of animal," said Abbott, "it's just not… it's just not the way things work, especially in this neighborhood."
This is the first homicide in Mullica Township since 1999, and neighbors say the street is particularly quiet, making it a crime that's even harder to comprehend. "This right now, it's like breath-taking," said Dustin Hay, who lives in the neighborhood, "we're just trying to make sure everything's good and our town's alright."
Detectives spent a good part of the morning processing the scene, trying to collect fingerprints, and speaking to neighbors. While many have speculated about a possible motive, authorities wouldn't comment, but sources say they believe the homeowner, who organizes cheerleading competitions, was not involved in anything illegal. "Very good neighbors," said Hay, "no complaints, no partying or anything, anything suspicious."
But now the tone in the once quiet community has changed, with everyone wanting answers about who or why someone would do this. "I can't imagine somebody wanting to shoot him," said Abbott, "it just doesn't make sense."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Atlantic County Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7800 or CrimeStoppers anonymously at 1-800-658-TIPS.
