NJ Musician, 29, Killed In Philadelphia, Family Says

CLIFTON, NJ — Family and friends are mourning local musician CJ Mueller, a North Jersey native who had been reported missing in Philadelphia before being found stabbed to death over Thanksgiving weekend at the age of 29.

Born Carl James Mueller III, the Clifton native performed with several bands around the area, including a family group called The Flying Mueller Brothers, according to his obituary. There have been no arrests announced in his death as of Tuesday afternoon.

Mueller was a songwriter, singer, and guitarist "whose energy and happy nature first graced the talent show stage at Clifton High School, and would later pull people to their feet at many of his gigs in the North Jersey, Jersey shore, and Philadelphia areas," reads his obituary on NorthJersey.com.

He died early on Nov. 24 of a stab wound to the chest, Philadelphia Police told NJ Advance Media.

Family members said Monday that Philadelphia Police are still investigating his death, adding that "it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time" in a post on the Flying Mueller Brothers' Facebook page.

The Mueller family said they "truly appreciate" the outpouring of love and admiration that people felt for CJ.

"Tomorrow is not promised, our friends, so please keep your loved ones close, hug them tight, and tell them you love them, every minute you can," they wrote. "CJ did that while he was with us, with his big smile, ready laugh, and love of writing and playing music."

Mueller is survived by his father CJ Mueller, Jr, mother Karen Most, brother Nick Mueller, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and his cousin DJ Mueller.

As well as The Flying Mueller Brothers, he performed with bands including The Angry Pirates and Coming In Clutch (formerly Joy Ride).

"He will be greatly missed for his big welcoming smile, tireless sense of humor, love of music, affinity for skateboarding, insatiable appetite for sushi, and the best head of hair in the family," the obituary reads.

A celebration of life for Mueller will be private, per his obituary.