2003
Media Releases:
CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION
February 27, 2003
Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Runnemede Police
Chief James M. Leason announced today that Charles Lee Heitzman,
M/34, was charged on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, with the Murder of
Patricia Parkin, F/29, whose body was discovered in Runnemede, N.J.,
in December 1995.
The defendant, of the 300 block of Burlington Street in Gloucester
City, was arrested at his residence Wednesday evening, based on
new information developed in recent weeks as a result of intensive
investigation by officers from the Prosecutor's Office and the Runnemede
Police Department.
A group of children playing in a wooded area off Irish Hill Road
in Runnemede on the afternoon of Dec. 27, 1995, discovered the victim's
body partially buried under snow and debris. The victim's family
had reported her missing on Dec. 5, 1995. Parkin had lived in the
200 block of Chester Avenue in Bellmawr and had last been seen leaving
Bruno's Tavern in the Glendora section of Gloucester Township on
the night of Dec. 3, 1995. An autopsy indicated she had suffered
head and face trauma as well as hypothermia.
"We never give up on a case like this," Sarubbi said. "Together
with Runnemede Police, we spent countless hours locating and interviewing
witnesses, examining and re-examining physical evidence and following
up on every bit of information that we heard, no matter what the
source, no matter how unimportant the information may have appeared
on the surface.
We're very pleased that our efforts have resulted in the arrest
that occurred last night," the prosecutor continued. "We're particularly
pleased for the family of Ms. Parkin, because we know what a painful
ordeal they have been through over the last seven years.
"We are also keenly aware that there are other victims of unsolved
homicide cases from over the years. We hope that an arrest like
this one gives the victims' families renewed hope and confidence
that everything that can be done is being done to pursue justice
for their loved ones."
"I want to personally thank and commend Chief Leason for his efforts
and the efforts of his dedicated officers. This is a proud day for
law enforcement in Camden County."
"We could not be more pleased by this arrest, which wraps up a very
involved, detailed investigation conducted by my department along
with the Prosecutor's Office," Leason said. "The teamwork and professionalism
of all the officers involved in this case was first-rate. This crime
shocked and disturbed all the residents of Runnemede and our neighboring
communities. Obviously, this investigation was given the very highest
priority. I can't even estimate the man-hours that have gone into
this case. Thankfully, we were able to gather enough evidence to
bring charges against this defendant."
"My officers notified Ms. Parkin's family of these developments
last night. I know they are most gratified that we were able to
finally identify and charge this defendant."
The defendant was being held at the Camden County Correctional Facility
in lieu of $500,000 bail, cash or bond, set today at an arraignment
before Presiding Criminal Court Judge Linda G. Baxter.
All persons charged with criminal offense are presumed innocent
unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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