2005
Media Releases:
CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION
March 9, 2005
Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi reported that Marcus Toliver,
25, pleaded guilty today to Felony Murder, admitting that he and a
co-defendant abducted, robbed and killed Christine Eberle, 27, on
Nov. 12, 2001, in Camden, N.J.
Sentencing for Toliver is scheduled for April 29, 2005, before Superior
Court Judge Irvin J. Snyder. Under the plea agreement, Assistant Prosecutor
Greg Smith, Deputy Section Chief of the Homicide Unit in the Camden
County Prosecutor's Office, will recommend a sentence of 43 years
in New Jersey State Prison, including 85 percent, or 36½ years, without
parole eligibility. Under the agreement, Toliver waived his right
to file an appeal on any aspect of the case.
Toliver admitted in court that he and co-defendant Ryshaone Thomas
went to the Ferry Avenue Station of the PATCO High-Speed Line in Camden
on Nov. 12, 2001, intending to commit a robbery. Toliver admitted
that they abducted Christine Eberle from the station's parking lot,
drove her to the Fairview section of Camden, robbed her of money and
killed her.
The body of Christine Eberle, of Washington Township, was found the
night of Nov. 13 in a wooded area behind Malandra Hall on New Jersey
Avenue in Camden. She had been beaten and strangled. Toliver, of the
2900 block of North Congress Road in Camden, was arrested on Nov.
16, 2001.
Thomas has also pleaded guilty to Felony Murder. Judge Snyder is scheduled
to sentence Thomas on April 29 as well.
"This is an important day for Christine Eberle's family and all those
who loved her," Sarubbi stated. "Through a long and painful process,
they have stayed strong and devoted to Christine's memory. Their presence
in large numbers at every court hearing has been an inspiration.
"While no period of incarceration may seem sufficient in a case of
this type, I am pleased that Ms. Eberle's family and friends will
be spared the additional trauma and uncertainty of a lengthy and painful
trial."
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