FL Man Beat Brother-In-Law To Death On Christmas Day At Camden Co. Home: Prosecutor

STRATFORD, NJ — A Florida man was charged with manslaughter after beating his brother-in-law to death at a Stratford home during Christmas, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

The suspect — John E. Meyers, 69, of Port St. Lucie, Florida — assaulted Frank Vitrano during an argument Dec. 25 in the backyard of a home on the 100 block of Wright Avenue, authorities said.

The argument stemmed from an alleged altercation last summer between the victim and another family member, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Vitrano, 72, of Buena, sought medical treatment the next day at Inspira Medical Center Vineland.

But his injuries were so severe that he was brought to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he was pronounced dead at 1:34 p.m. Dec. 27.

Vitrano owned and operated Bellevue Bagel Café in Hammonton, according to his obituary. Last month, the shop earned the "best decorated business" award for the Hammonton Christmas Parade.

The medical examiner's office determined he died from blunt head trauma, and the manner of death was homicide, authorities said.

Nobody saw the assault. But one witness came out of the home while they were arguing, and Vitrano informed them that Meyers hit him in the head, according to the affidavit.

A second witness who was inside during the assault told detectives that, the next day, Meyers told them that he slapped Vitrano during an argument, the affidavit says.

Meyers was charged Dec. 28 with second-degree manslaughter. He was arrested the next day in Philadelphia.

The suspect remains jailed in Pennsylvania, pending extradition to New Jersey.

Meyers didn't have a listed attorney in online court records on Thursday.

Anyone with information can call Det. Luis Sibaja Jr. of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-225-8682 and Det. Tom Farrell of the Stratford Police Department at 856-783-8616. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.