EHT man charged in wife’s murder

Nov, 05-2009 1:51 pm

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – Authorities arrested an Egg Harbor Township man Wednesday night, Nov. 4 and charged him with the murder of his wife, whose body was discovered near a creek off Spruce Avenue here Wednesday morning, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel said.

Police assert that John M. Hilyard, 48, of Bridle Path Drive in Egg Harbor Township strangled his wife, Chun Hilyard, 45, of the same address.

Her body was found 7:40 a.m. Wednesday morning near Fenton Mill’s Creek by a jogger, who called the Egg Harbor Township police.

Later that day, John Hilyard went to the police and reported his wife missing. An investigation of that report, along with the discovery of the body, led to his arrest, Housel said.

Atlantic County Medical Examiner Dr. Hydow Park conducted an autopsy Wednesday afternoon and determined the victim died of asphyxia due to strangulation, Prosecutor Housel said.

Detective Michael Mattioli of the Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Egg Harbor Township police conducted the investigation

Hilyard is being held at the Atlantic County jail in lieu of $1 million full cash bail. His initial court appearance was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday before Superior Court Judge Albert Garofolo.

The couple’s three children are staying with family, according to reports.