Denville Man Murdered Mother, Lit House On Fire: Prosecutor

DENVILLE, NJ — A Denville man killed his mother and lit his home on fire while she was inside Monday morning, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. Anthony Citro faces several charges, including murder and arson, for the incident that authorities say killed Eileen Citro.

Law enforcement received a 911 call at about 7:30 a.m. Monday for a fire at 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East. Police found Anthony Citro outside the home with blood on his clothing, according to the prosecutor's office.

The Denville Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the blaze and determined it was intentional. While suppressing the fire, they found the body of Eileen Citro, 68. The Morris County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide via sharp-force injuries.

Anthony Citro, 41, was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree aggravated arson, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Investigating agencies included the Denville Volunteer Fire Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, the Denville Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office's Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the MCPO's Arson/Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and High Tech Crimes units.

Anyone with information related to the investigation can contact the MCPO's Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.

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