Burlington County Man Admits Murdering Stepfather: Prosecutor

A 44-year-old Burlington County man has admitted to stabbing his stepfather to death in a Burlington City apartment last year, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced.

Stephen J. Paul, of Burlington City, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the death of 70-year-old Edward Williams, of Westampton, Coffina said. Under the plea deal, Paul faces 30 years in New Jersey state prison. He had been indicted on one count of murder in the first degree, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Paul admitted that he stabbed Williams several times during a physical confrontation at Paul’s apartment on Aug. 1, 2017. At about 2 p.m. on that day, police were called to Paul's apartment by a relative who believed Williams was inside. Paul wouldn't allow the caller inside, but he did allow police to enter the apartment.

Once inside, police say they found Williams, who had suffered several lacerations to his upper body. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Paul was arrested without incident.

An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined Williams died from multiple stab wounds.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 24.

The attached image of Stephen J. Paul was provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.