Police Reopen Probe Into 1973 Middlesex Co. Double Shooting

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Authorities in Middlesex and Union County have reopened a cold case – the fatal shooting of two people in 1973.

John Sabbatino of New Brunswick and Jeanne Biondo of East Brunswick were shots hours apart, the Plainfield Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said. The locations of their death are around six miles apart.

Shortly before 4 a.m. on April 19, 1973, Sabbatino, 27, was found dead near Otis and Grove Avenues in Edison.

Biondo, 37, was found dead approximately three hours later in a vehicle parked in the rear of Plainfield Motor Vehicle Inspection Station on South Second Street in Plainfield.

Both Sabbatino and Biondo suffered fatal gunshot wounds, authorities said.

Based on the investigation, Sabbatino and Biondo were reported to be at several different locations in Middlesex County before their deaths.

Sabbatino was reported to be at the following locations before his death:

• Mike Kerwin's Tavern located at 353 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex
• Carousel Lounge located at South Washington Ave. & Metlars Lane, Piscataway
• Cloud Nine Lounge located at 275 Rt. 18, East Brunswick

Biondo was reported to be at the following locations before her death:

• Cloud Nine Lounge located at 275 Rt. 18, East Brunswick
• Midstate Bowling Alley located at Mid State Mall 300 Rt. 18, East Brunswick
• Homestead Motel (the motel located at the same location as the Cloud Nine Lounge) located at 275 Rt. 18, East Brunswick
• Deauville Diner located at 245 Rt. 18, East Brunswick

Investigators believe there may be individuals who have not previously come forward with information. They emphasize that any detail, even if it seems insignificant, could be the missing piece that helps bring closure to the families.

"John Sabbatino and Jeanne Biondo were tragically taken from their families and loved ones," Plainfield Police Director James Abney said.

"Someone out there knows what happened that night, and we implore them to come forward with any information they may have, no matter how small it may seem."

Union County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for submission of tips that result in an indictment and conviction.

Anyone with information should contact Plainfield Police Department Lieutenant William Tyler at (908) 753-3036 or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Sergeant Paul Kelley at (732)745-3330, or Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Patrick Bradley at (908) 418-2817.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

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