Man Sentenced To 70 Years For Double Murder, Arson In Middlesex Co.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A 24-year-old Jamesburg man was sentenced to 60 years in prison for double murder, aggravated arson and weapons offenses, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said Friday.

Jaree Kitchen, 24, was sentenced to 60 years pursuant to the No Early Release Act for two counts of murder, and 10 years for aggravated arson.

On Nov. 6, 2019, at around 3:19 a.m., Jamesburg Police responded to 7 Sheridan Street for a report of a house fire. On arrival, officers found visible flames coming from the house. The Jamesburg Fire Department extinguished the blaze.

According to investigation, Kitchen had recently returned to Jamesburg from Georgia and was living with his father, Clifford Kitchen Jr. However, soon after his arrival, father and son began having significant issues. This resulted in a physical altercation where Jaree fatally stabbed his father and another resident of the home, Gregory Fisher on Nov. 4, 2019, authorities said.

On Nov. 6, 2019, in an effort to destroy and cover up the murders, Jaree set the home on fire, Ciccone said.

He was indicted for two counts of first-degree murder, second-degree aggravated arson, two counts of second-degree desecrating human remains, two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, two counts of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and two counts of fourth-degree tampering with evidence.

Kitchen was convicted by a jury on June 1, 2022.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com