NJ Man Beat Mother To Death At Condo In Maplewood, Found Guilty: ECPO

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A New Jersey man was convicted of murder after he beat his mother to death at a luxury condo in Maplewood more than three years ago, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, a jury recently found Benjamin Avrut, 38, guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his 70-year-old mother, Gwen Avrut.

Prosecutors alleged that Avrut killed his mother to inherit $9 million.

The attack took place on Jan. 4, 2021 at The Top, a luxury condominium in Maplewood. Here are the allegations against Avrut, prosecutors said:

“Avrut, who had a history of drug abuse and gambling addiction, entered his sleeping mother’s apartment at midnight on January 4, 2021. When she awoke, Mr. Avrut beat her to death with his fists. Avrut then engaged in a series of elaborate deceptions to make it appear as if his mother attacked him before taking her own life. This includes texts to his sister from his mother’s phone falsely claiming she attacked him. Avrut also attempted to cover up his mother’s murder by staging her suicide.”

An Essex County jury began deliberations on Oct. 17 and ended on Oct. 18, rejecting Avrut’s insanity defense, prosecutors said.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 13. Avrut faces a minimum of 30 years in prison, prosecutors said.

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