2003 Media Releases:

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

April 3, 2003

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Magnolia Police Chief Robert Doyle reported today that the murder of Jennifer Persia, F/16, on April 4, 1994, in Magnolia, N.J., remains under active investigation as the nine-year anniversary of the crime approaches.

"Our experience with long-running investigations has taught us to never give up, to never stop pursuing justice," Sarubbi said. "Time and again, we have seen persistence and determination pay off years after a crime. That is why we have not, and we will not, give up on this case."

Sarubbi noted the arrest last month, more than seven years after the crime, of a Gloucester City man charged with the slaying of Patricia Parkin of Bellmawr in December 1995.

"The brutal murder of Jennifer Persia, an innocent victim in the prime of her young life, cries out for justice," Sarubbi said. "We want to assure Jennifer's family and the public at large that the passage of time has not weakened our resolve."

Sarubbi and Doyle reminded the public that any piece of information related to the case could be critical. Anyone with information should call the Prosecutor's Office hotline at (856) 225-8476.

Jennifer Persia's body was found on the living room floor of her family's home in the 100 block of Jefferson Avenue in Magnolia in the afternoon hours of April 4, 1994. She had been stabbed multiple times. The investigation indicates that containers of coins and silver certificates were missing from the house.

Chief Doyle noted that a reward of more than $15,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder.

"Jennifer's death remains an open wound for our community," Doyle said. "We in Magnolia are determined to work with the Prosecutor's Office to do whatever it takes, to leave no stone unturned, to solve this crime."