Police Seek Tips In 'Senseless' 1978 Slaying Of South Jersey Family

FOLSOM, NJ — The New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit is renewing its appeal for public help in the unsolved 1978 murders of Gary Deal, Joan Deal and their 3-year-old son, Jason Deal, who were killed inside their family home in Folsom, according to the agency.

Authorities discovered the bodies of the Deal family on Oct. 30, 1978, inside their residence on Mays Landing Road in Atlantic County. Gary and Joan Deal were both 26 years old. The case remains unsolved nearly five decades later, according to the New Jersey State Police.

Detectives determined that Gary and Joan Deal suffered multiple gunshot wounds and injuries from a sharp-edged weapon, according to the agency. Jason Deal was found dead in his bedroom after suffering fatal injuries.

"The senseless killing of an entire family shocked the Folsom community and left loved ones searching for answers that have remained elusive for nearly 48 years," State Police said.

Since the initial investigation, detectives have pursued numerous leads and repeatedly reexamined evidence, according to the agency. As forensic science evolved, crime-scene evidence was subjected to advanced DNA analysis and ballistic testing in an effort to generate new leads. Despite those investigative efforts, the murders of Gary, Joan and Jason Deal remain unsolved, according to police.

The Cold Case Unit said it believes someone may still have information that could help the investigation. According to the agency, the passage of time may mean that people who were once unwilling to speak are now ready to come forward, and details that seemed unimportant in 1978 could matter today.

Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who lived in, worked in or frequently visited the Folsom area in 1978, knew the Deal family, observed suspicious activity near their home or heard conversations about the killings before or after they occurred, according to the State Police.

New Jersey State Police said it remains committed to uncovering what happened and pursuing justice for the Deal family. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective I Dominic Rubino of the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit at 1-833-4NJ-Cold, or 833-465-2653, or by email at coldcase@njsp.gov. Anonymous tips are also welcome.