Burlington County Man Charged With Mother's Murder

A Mount Laurel man has been charged with causing his mother’s death following an assault at their home last month, Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Mount Laurel Police Chief Dennis Cribben announced on Monday.

Marcilo Gacutan, 46, was charged with one count of murder. Bail was set at $300,000.

Mount Laurel Police responded to the home on Oct. 4. Shirley Gacutan, 66, said her son had thrown her to the ground and choked her with his hands following an argument.

At the time, Marcilo Gacutan was charged with simple assault.

Shirley Gacutan refused medical treatment at the time, but went to a hospital the next day for head pain and underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage.

After surgery, she fell into a coma, was placed on a ventilator and listed in critical condition.

At that time, charges against Marcilo Gacutan were upgraded to aggravated assault.

She was removed from the respirator and a tracheotomy was performed late last month to help her breathe.

She died on Nov. 13 from a tracheal hemorrhage. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined that her death was due to the original injury sustained during the assault and ruled the death a homicide.

The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Mount Laurel Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

The attached image was provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.