Burlington Co. Man Killed Wife; Victim's Body Found During Wellness Check: Prosecutor

WILLINGBORO, NJ — A man threatened employees at a Wawa store, leading to police finding his wife's body in their Willingboro home, authorities said Friday.

Stanley Martin was charged with murder and weapons offenses in the death of Dierdra Martin. An autopsy determined that the victim suffered multiple stab wounds, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO).

Just before 1 a.m. Saturday, police were called to Wawa on Springside Road in Westampton for a man reportedly threatening employees. The man — later identified as Stanley Martin — left the store before officers arrived. But authorities found him an hour later outside of a closed retail business in Willingboro and took him into custody, the BCPO said.

Information obtained during the arrest led police to conduct a wellness check at Martin's home, according to law enforcement. When officers reached the first block of Hinsdale Lane, they found Dierdra's body inside the residence, authorities said.

Dierdra, 56, died from stab wounds, according to Dr. Ian Hood, the county medical examiner. It wasn't immediately clear when the stabbing may have occurred. Patch contacted the BCPO and will update with any response.

Stanley Martin, 60, was charged with murder (first-degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (third-degree), and unlawful possession of a weapon (fourth-degree). He's in custody at Burlington County Jail, pending a detention hearing next week.

The BCPO plans to present the case to a grand jury for possible indictment.