Pemberton Man Charged With Fatally Shooting Cousin

A Burlington County man is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly killing is cousin Friday night.

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Pemberton Township Police Chief David King say 29-year-old Antwian Warthen of Pemberton has been charged with murder (first degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (second degree), and unlawful possession of a weapon (second degree).

According to Coffina's office,

The investigation began Friday at approximately 9:15 p.m. when Pemberton Township police officers were dispatched to Warthen’s home for a report of a man severely bleeding, possibly due to a stab wound. Upon arrival, they were informed that Warthen had just transported his cousin, Horace Warthen, 39, of Burlington City, to Capital Health at Deborah – Emergency Services.

Police responding to the medical center were told that Horace Warthen had been pronounced dead by a physician after arriving at the facility. Antwian Warthen was at the hospital when police arrived but left on foot after they went inside to determine the status of Horace Warthen. Antwian Warthen was located by police walking in a nearby neighborhood approximately 30 minutes later and taken into custody for questioning.

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The investigation revealed that Antwian Warthen shot Horace Warthen during an argument inside the residence, then drove him to the hospital to receive treatment. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined the victim died from gunshot wounds.

Warthen is currently being held in the Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing later this week.