Diner Owner's Killer Still Being Sought in Morris County

Two years after a Roxbury diner owner was found killed inside his business, Morris County authorities are still searching for information that could lead to the arrest of the person they believe to be involved in Chafic “Steve” Ezzeddine's death.

Ezzeddine's body was discovered on May 28, 2011 inside the Kenvil Diner on Route 46 by his wife after she became concerned that he had not returned home from work. Ezzeddine was 70 years old at the time and then-Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi ruled the death a homicide. Later, the prosecutor said Ezzeddine was stabbed to death.

Ezzeddine left Lebanon more than 40 years ago with his wife, Amal Abou-Ezzeddine, to start a life in America. He had worked in a diner in New Jersey while continuing to pursue his master's degree and in 1983, he and his wife purchased the Kenvil Diner. Both Ezzeddine and Amal Abou-Ezzeddine worked daily at the diner while raising their three sons.

Photos of a "person of interest," who has not yet been identified, were released last year on the one-year anniversary of Ezzeddine's death. The man, who authorities were able to capture on images from surrounding businesses, was described as a black man wearing light-colored shorts and a dark-colored T-shirt, with a Caribbean accent and who also may drive a green 1994-96 Toyota Camry. The man was seen in the immediate area of the diner the night of the incident. The prosecutor's office said that he may spend time in Brooklyn and Elizabeth, NJ.

Another man may have been with him at the time of Ezzeddine's murder, and has since been identified, authorities said. 

More than $25,000 in reward money has been offered for any information that leads to an arrest. Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp is hoping progress can be made in the case, even after two years have passed.

"As the two-year anniversary of the murder approaches, the crime remains unsolved," a press release from Knapp's office said. "However, the investigation continues and remains extremely active."

Anyone with information on the "person or interest" or incident should contact the Roxbury Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-448-2090 or at kenviltips@gmail.com. Tips can also be called in anonymously at 973-285-6200 or online. The Ezzeddine family has set up an online tribute for Chafic Ezzeddine on the diner's former website.