Morris County man charged with killing mother, setting their house on fire, prosecutor says
DENVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A Morris County man is accused of killing his mother and then set their Chestnut Hill Drive East home on fire, acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll announced Tuesday.
Anthony Citro, 41, of Denville Township has been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree aggravated arson. He remains in custody pending a court appearance, Carroll
It is alleged that at approximately 7:24 a.m. on May 17, law enforcement received a 9-1-1 call regarding a fire at 37 Chestnut Hill Drive East in Deville Township, Carroll said.
Upon arrival to the scene, police located Anthony Citro outside the residence, with apparent blood on his clothing and smoke was observed coming from the residence, Carroll said.
Members of the 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, the body of Eileen Citro, 68, who was the defendant’s mother, was located inside the residence, Carroll said.
“The cause of death has been ruled homicide by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death was determined to be sharp force injuries,” Carroll said.
Members of 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 High Tech Crimes units all participated in the investigation.
