DENVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A Morris County man on Thursday was sentenced to 17 years in New Jersey State Prison for a 2021 homicide in Denville Township, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.
Anthony Citro, 43, formerly of 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East in Denville Township was sentenced to 17 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence imposed, Carroll said.
Anthony Citro entered a guilty plea to first-degree aggravated manslaughter before the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. on Nov. 16, Carroll said.
On May 17, 2021, at around 7:24 a.m., police received a 9-1-1 call regarding a fire at 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East. Upon arrival to the scene, officers located Anthony Citro outside the residence, with apparent blood on his clothing and smoke was observed coming from the residence, Carroll said.
Denville Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, which was later determined to be incendiary, Carroll said.
While suppressing the fire, Anthony’s mother, 68-year-old Eileen Citro, was found dead inside the residence, Carroll said.
The cause of death was ruled homicide by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office and the manner of death was determined to be sharp force injuries, Carroll said.
The Denville Volunteer Fire Department, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, the Denville Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson/Environmental Crimes, Major Crimes and HighTech Crimes units assited in the investigation.
