2003 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

February 4, 2003

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Bellmawr Police Chief William Walsh announced that John Santangelo, M/72, of Bellmawr, was charged with Murder today in connection with the death of Elizabeth Marano, F/70, on Monday, Feb. 3, 2003.

A family member discovered the victim's body at approximately 4:51 p.m. Monday in a family room in her residence in the 200 block of Bergen Street in Bellmawr. She had suffered multiple stab wounds.

The investigation indicates that Santangelo, the victim's estranged boyfriend who lives in the first block of North Cedar Avenue in Bellmawr, stabbed Marano in her home, then drove to Atlantic City. Security guards at the Hilton hotel and casino in Atlantic City found the defendant asleep in a lobby area at approximately 6 p.m. Monday and had him transported to the Atlantic City Medical Center. The investigation has determined that Santangelo had ingested tranquilizers. He remained at the hospital until this afternoon, when he was arrested and taken to Bellmawr Police headquarters for processing.

After processing, the defendant was scheduled to undergo an evaluation at a local mental health crisis center.

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.