Man Ordered Held In Leisure Village Slaying Of Girlfriend

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Lakewood man has been ordered held until trial in the killing of his girlfriend in her home in Leisure Village, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday.

John Filistovich, 59, was ordered detained by Ocean County Superior Court Judge Lisa A. Puglisi pending trial, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

He is accused of killing Betty Perry, 60, who was found dead on May 30 in her home in Leisure Village; Filistovich lived with her, authorities have said.

Filistovich, who is charged with murder and theft, was arrested in Salisbury, Maryland, on June 1 and extradited to New Jersey, where he has been in the Ocean County Jail since June 12.

The detention hearing was handled by Assistant Prosecutor Emma Hurst.

There was a history of domestic violence calls to Perry's home, according to the probable cause affidavit, including one in August 2022 where Filistovich was arrested on a charge of violating a temporary restraining order, according to a police report.

Perry was found dead after a social worker requested a welfare check after Perry had not been heard from in several days, authorities said.

It was not clear how long the two had been dating, how long Filistovich had been living with her, or whether there was a restraining order in place at the time Perry was killed.

Filistovich is accused of beating Perry and choking her, vandalizing her home and then taking off with her car and valuables, authorities said.

Previous coverage:

• Man Accused Of Killing Girlfriend In Lakewood Had Prior Threats Arrest
• Man Charged In Leisure Village Killing Of Girlfriend Back In NJ
• Man Vandalized Home After Killing Girlfriend In Lakewood: Affidavit