Man charged in Cherry Hill veterinarian’s violent death will remain detained while awaiting trial.
In a troubling case that has captured the attention of New Jersey residents, authorities report that Cristian Custodio-Aquino, a 34-year-old man with ties to Oregon, allegedly committed an act of premeditated murder against Michael Anthony, a well-regarded veterinarian in South Jersey. The incident occurred on December 10, 2022, when Anthony, 45, was discovered on the front lawn of his Cherry Hill home with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators assert that Custodio-Aquino, driven by longstanding jealousy, meticulously planned the murder and traveled across the country specifically to target Anthony, who was in a relationship with Custodio-Aquino’s former partner. Authorities connected Custodio-Aquino to the crime by locating a pair of prescription glasses discarded near the victim’s body and tracing his car to the vicinity of the crime scene.
Custodio-Aquino, originally from Peru, was arrested in Fresno, California, while seeking refuge with a friend. At a recent court hearing, Camden County Prosecutor Kevin Moran outlined the details of the crime, emphasizing the brutal nature of the attack. Moran characterized the incident as an assassination, stating that the evidence strongly supports the charge of first-degree murder.
Custodio-Aquino’s attorney, Durann Neil Jr., contended that there is insufficient evidence linking his client to the murder, citing his clean criminal record and asserting that he poses no danger to the community. Despite these claims, the investigation revealed troubling evidence, including DNA analysis indicating traces of Anthony’s blood in Custodio-Aquino’s vehicle.
Familial bonds complicate the narrative, as Custodio-Aquino and Anthony’s partner, Kyle Bartsch, had previously dated but had parted ways. During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Custodio-Aquino and Bartsch lived together as roommates prior to Bartsch’s relationship with Anthony, which began in 2021. A domestic dispute between Custodio-Aquino and Bartsch in November 2021 was noted, but the defense stressed its irrelevance to the current case.
The episode has left the community in shock, given that Michael Anthony was a devoted father and a respected member of his profession. Following his death, heartfelt tributes from friends, neighbors, and clients poured in, highlighting the profound loss felt by those who knew him.
As the judicial process unfolds, Custodio-Aquino remains detained, with a Camden County Superior Court Judge affirming that there is probable cause to proceed with the murder charge. The case continues to develop as the community seeks answers and justice for Anthony’s tragic death.
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