NJ Veterinarian's Killer Pleads Guilty

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A man from Oregon pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the stabbing death of a Cherry Hill veterinarian in 2024, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said.

Cristian Custodio-Aquino, 28, of Portland, was charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Dr. Michael Anthony, 45, of Cherry Hill.

Anthony was the former owner of "Haddon Vet."

Under the plea agreement, Custodio is anticipated to be sentenced to 30 years in jail without the chance of early parole.

"The tragic loss of Dr. Michael Anthony deeply affected the Camden County community and all those who knew him," said Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.

At around 7 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2024, Cherry Hill Police officers responded to the 100 block of Sharrowvale Road and found Dr. Anthony unconscious.

He had been stabbed multiple times and was declared dead at the scene.

Near his body, detectives found glasses with frames that had a "unique model number with lenses that reacted to light."

DNA analysis confirmed the sample found from the eyeglasses to be Custodio's.

He was charged on Feb. 7, 2025, and taken into custody on Feb. 11, 2025, in Fresno, California.

Custodio's black Nissan Altima was at the scene and towed away.

Officials were able to go back and match the car to locations in Florida, Alabama, and Texas during the day after the attack.

A search of the car revealed suspected blood on the inside.

Detectives took swabs and sent them off for DNA analysis. Dr. Anthony was confirmed as the source of the DNA.

According to an affidavit, Custodio and Anthony knew each other, but it was not clear how.

Custodio stayed in the Haddon Township area for two months prior to the stabbing, court docs revealed.

"While no outcome can undo the profound loss," said MacAulay, "...we hope it provides a measure of closure as we remember Dr. Anthony's lasting legacy of compassion and dedicated service to the communities he faithfully served."

Custodio is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9.

RELATED COVERAGE: Man Charged With Murder Of Cherry Hill Veterinarian: Prosecutor

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