Authorities Seek Tips in Murder of South Orange War Hero

Authorities have announced a cash reward offer for information leading to the arrest of a suspect wanted for the beating death and robbery of an elderly South Orange man.

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura stated that at the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Crimestoppers program will pay up to $5,000 for details regarding the murder of 89-year-old Joseph Peyton.

Investigators believe Peyton was followed after attending mass at Our Lady of Sorrows on Jan. 18 to his home at 188 Village Road, where he was severely beaten and robbed.

The suspect is described as an African-American male in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately six feet tall with a stocky build and wearing a black jacket and blue jeans on the day of the attack.

Peyton, a World War II pilot with 30 successful missions over Germany and a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, was taken to Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights for medical treatment and eventually died from the injuries he sustained on May 5.

People with information about the crime are asked to call Det. James Marinaro of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide Squad at 973-621-4545, Det. Michael Bradley of the South Orange Police Department at 973-763-3000, or the Crimestoppers 24/7 hotline at 973-877-TIPS. 

All calls to law enforcement will be kept confidential.