By: Richard L. Smith
Image by: Fox29
A Burlington County man has been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of his 60-year-old aunt inside her Lumberton apartment, authorities announced.
According to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, 40-year-old Jason Mutschler of Hainesport was arrested Saturday and charged with murder, along with weapons-related offenses.
The investigation began Friday afternoon when a relative discovered Vanessa Sturtevent deceased inside her residence at the Sterling Glen Apartments on Eayrestown Road in Lumberton.
An autopsy conducted by the Burlington County Medical Examiner’s Officedetermined Sturtevent’s death was a homicide.
Authorities said the victim suffered multiple stab wounds to the head and neck, as well as blunt force trauma to the face and head.
Investigators quickly identified Mutschler as a suspect. Members of the New Jersey State Police located him in Hainesport and transported him to the prosecutor’s office for questioning. He was subsequently arrested and charged.
Mutschler is being held pending court proceedings.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.