Cumberland County, NJ, Man Gets 154 Years for Parents’ Murders
Bridgeton, N.J. — A Hopewell Township man who murdered both of his parents and then told state troopers standing at his front door that they weren't home has been sentenced to 154 years in state prison.
On Friday, 37-year-old Craig Williams was sentenced, capping a case that began with a well-being check and ended with one of the most severe sentences in recent Cumberland County history.
Told Troopers His Parents Weren't Home
On March 13th, 2023, New Jersey State Police responded to 11 Tipton Drive in Hopewell Township after family members said they hadn't heard from Brenda Williams or Billy Williams Jr. since March 9th. Troopers made contact with Craig Williams, who said they were not home.
They were.
Troopers entered the home and found both victims dead -- Brenda Williams in the primary bedroom, Billy Williams Jr. in the bathroom. Both had been stabbed numerous times.
After the murders, prosecutors presented evidence that Williams discarded, or attempted to discard, bloody clothing, gloves, shoes, towels, a surveillance camera from the property, and the victims' cell phones.
The Sentence
A Cumberland County jury convicted Williams on July 2nd on the following counts:
- 2 counts of first-degree murder
- 2 counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon
- Third-degree tampering with physical evidence
- Third-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution
- Fourth-degree obstruction
Cumberland County Judge Cristen P. D’Arrigo sentenced him to consecutive life terms, 75 years each under New Jersey law, for each first-degree murder conviction, both subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA). An additional four years for third-degree hindering runs consecutive to those sentences. Concurrent 18-month terms were imposed for obstruction and tampering with physical evidence. The weapon possession charges merged into the murder convictions.
The total: 154 years, with 150 years subject to NERA.
The investigation was led by Det. Sgt. James McKay of the New Jersey State Police Major Crimes South Unit. Assistant Prosecutor Holly Fanelle prosecuted the case. Williams was represented by Zachary Sclar, Esq. and Alexander Varghese, Esq.
Cold cases: Unsolved murders in Cumberland County, NJ, from past summers
Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman
More Cold Cases: South Jersey's Unsolved Murders & Mysteries
Gallery Credit: Eddie Davis
Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com
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