Burlington County Man Sentenced For Stepfather's Murder

A 44-year-old Burlington County man has been sentenced to 27 years in New Jersey state prison for stabbing his stepfather to death in a Burlington City apartment last year, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced.

Stephen J. Paul, of Burlington City, previously pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the death of 70-year-old Edward Williams, of Westampton, Coffina said. 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.

Under the plea deal, Paul faced 30 years in New Jersey state prison. The Hon. Philip E. Haines, J.S.C., handed down a 27-year sentence following a hearing on May 25. He must serve 23 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

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 of multiple stab wounds.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Jeremy M. Lackey. The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the City of Burlington Police Department, with assistance from the Westampton Township Police Department. The lead investigators were Burlington County Prosecutor's Office Detective Timothy Van Fossen and City of Burlington Police Detective Robert O’Brien.

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