Search Continues for Slain Cranford Mother’s Remains

The search for additional remains of Cranford mother of two, April Wyckoff, continues, according to Mark Spivey, a spokesman for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

Spivey could not provide specific details on where authorities are searching for Wyckoff’s remains, but said authorities are still searching.

Authorities discovered on Oct. 28 some of Wyckoff’s remains in the Passaic River off of Raymond Boulevard in Newark.

A funeral service was held last Saturday for Wyckoff, 43, at Werson Funeral Home in Linden. A private cremation was also held. Online condolences can be offered, here.

Wyckoff is survived by her children, James “J.D” and Ashley, her parents, Hank and Dee Schenesky, her brother, Nick Schenesky, her sister, Sheila McGraw, her grandparents, Nick and Miriam Albano, her uncles, John, Keith and James Connors and her aunt, Debbie Rastelli, according to her obituary.

Wyckoff was a senior supply chain project lead for Bed Bath and Beyond in Union.

She was described by a friend as a funny woman who found happiness with her children.

Last week, Matthew Ballister III, 43, of Union faced additional charges and the possibility of life without parole if convicted in connection with the murder of Wyckoff, the Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

Wyckoff, 43, is believed to have been killed from blunt-force trauma. Wyckoff, who divorced her husband in 2010, graduated from Cranford High School and recently moved back to town with her 23-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter.

Ballister is accused of entering April Wyckoff’s car and attacking her, as well as restraining her in his home, NJ.com reported. The records also state he held her in his home intending to terrorize her before allegedly killing her on Oct. 22.

Ballister is accused of using force to obstruct witnesses from providing information to authorities, according to the records.

He is charged with first-degree felony murder, first-degree kidnapping, two counts of second-degree desecration of human remains, and single counts of second-degree burglary, second-degree hindering apprehension, third-degree criminal restraint, third-degree hindering apprehension, and third-degree making terroristic threats in addition to his initial first-degree murder charge, according to the prosecutor's office.

If convicted, Ballister could face life in prison without parole, the prosecutor’s office said. His bail amount was also increased by $3.5 million and now stands at a total of $5.5 million. 

Ballister's mother, Eleanor Schofield, 70, of Mountainside, was released from Union County Jail on $1,500 bail, according to NJ.com. Schofield has been charged with hindering apprehension for allegedly helping her son conceal evidence following the killing, the prosecutor's office said.