Finally, A Motive And Sentence In Murder Of NJ Senator's Son

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — When a high-level New Jersey political consultant was charged in 2022 with having hired two men to kill a New Jersey state senator's son in 2014, it answered one question but led to several others.

Michael Galdieri was found stabbed to death in his Jersey City apartment eight years ago, and his home was set on fire.

Finally, in January 2022, high-level state political consultant Sean Caddle was charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in the death of Galdieri, who had been his business partner. Sean Caddle had worked on numerous campaigns, including for high-ranking Democratic State Sen. Ray Lesniak.

Caddle had recruited two men who had criminal pasts to commit the murders, prosecutors said, and both have since been sentenced.

But a big question remained: Why did Caddle turn on his former business partner?

In an article last week, NJ.com reported that Caddle claimed he had Galdieri killed because Galdieri was threatening to expose information he'd learned during New Jersey political campaigns he'd worked on with Caddle.

Caddle claimed that Galdieri, who had been arrested on drug charges in the past, was becoming erratic and making demands on Caddle.

Still, many aspects of the case remain a mystery, with legal documents blacked out and some questions about whether Caddle will reveal information about related political scandals.

Last Thursday, Caddle received a sentence of 24 years in state prison.

At the sentencing, the sister of the victim read a statement saying she felt "complete stupidity and regret" because she cried in Caddle's arms upon learning of her brother's death, thinking he was a friend.

What About The Sheridans?

The fact that Caddle remained on house arrest in Sussex County last year, rather than being held in prison, led many to speculate about whether he's been acting as an informant about other New Jersey political crimes.

And some wonder if there was a connection to a similar crime months after Galdieri's death.

In September 2014, former New Jersey Transportation Commissioner John Sheridan and his wife were found stabbed to death in their Montgomery Township home, and their house set on fire. Officials at first said the evidence indicated a murder suicide, then backed off the claim.

The deaths remain unsolved, and the family is still asking for answers.

Guilty Pleas

Michael Galdieri's father, State Sen. James Galdieri, was well known in New Jersey politics and had served as an attorney to the Hoboken and Jersey City Housing Authorities at various points. He was found stabbed in his Jersey City home on May 22, 2014.

Both Bonami Africa and George Bratsenis, who'd met in prison, pleaded guilty in early 2022 to their roles in Galdieri's death.

Read earlier reporting about Michael Galdieri, Sean Caddle, and John Sheridan here: Political Aide's Role In Hudson County Murder Sends Shockwaves