Man Who Pushed Raritan Woman Out Window Has Murder Sentence Upheld: Report

RARITAN, NJ — A Piscataway man, who was previously found guilty of killing a beloved 31-year-old Raritan woman by throwing her out of a third-floor window, has his conviction upheld by a state appellate court.

In 2018, Christopher Koller, 40, was convicted of the murder of Beth Bezek on Nov. 1, 2016. He was also found guilty of hindering his own apprehension, and distribution of a controlled and dangerous substance, cocaine.

Bezek, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate, was visiting Koller at his Pond Lane home in Piscataway when he threw her out of his third-floor window, according to evidence presented at the trial.

Koller was appealing the decision claiming he was denied a fair trial due to comments made by Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Scott Lamountain and allowing Bezek's family and friends to wear ribbons, according to the appellate court decision.

"Having reviewed the entire record, we are satisfied defendant's trial was free of any appreciable error, whether considered singly or in combination. Accordingly, we reject his claim that cumulative error entitles him to a new trial on all charges," according to the appellate court.

While the appellate court upheld the murder conviction the case still must go back to Superior Court Judge Pedro Jimenez to explain his reasoning for the sentence as required under a state Supreme Court ruling.

On the night of Nov. 1, 2016, Koller reportedly choked Bezek until she was unconscious before throwing her out of the window of his apartment because she refused to have sex with him, according to court documents.

Bezek died from a severe blunt impact trauma to her head caused from the fall, according to Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Scott Lamountain and Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Arabelys Santos.

Koller then left his home and drove to New Brunswick where he made an anonymous 911 call from a pay phone saying a girl was lying injured on Pond Lane. Police found Bezek lying dead outside his home at 1:04 a.m., according to the report.

Koller was sentenced to 66 and a half years in a New Jersey state prison.

Remembered by family and friends

Bezek had brought so much joy to her family and friends' lives. So much so that her friends had countless things to say.

She had a contagious smile, a caring heart and "the laughter you brought to all of those around," one friend said on her Facebook page.

They remembered the "epic dance parties.. rocking to Rock Band like we were hippie rockstars."

Most importantly, they remembered how she was "always there for us when we needed you - through thick and thin."

Her loved ones continue to remind others of her contagious smile by posting photos and memories on her Facebook page.

"All the endless nights we'd stay up together talking about every single thing because we didn't get to see each other as often in our adult years. We would always make up for lost times when ever we did get together. 18 years of friendship. We were supposed to grow old together Bezek. I love you so much. When you lose a best friend there are no words," Christina Hoffecker, a BRHS graduate, wrote previously.

Nick Tauriello, Bezek's boyfriend also wrote and read a poem in her honor at her funeral.

"Be More Like Beth

The best way we can honor Beth's memory is to learn from what she was trying to teach us. There is more than enough darkness in the world, and despite anything Beth struggled with internally, she never stopped giving of herself.Beth brought the light with her wherever she went.She added love, laughter and joy to any situation.

Be more like Beth.

Love more.

Be more accepting of other people.

Go out of your way to help someone you don't know.

Be grateful for what you have.

Give with no thought of reward.

Add happiness to the world whenever and wherever you can.

Be more like Beth."

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