South Jersey man faces murder charges for fatally shooting another man and fleeing to New York.
A 24-year-old man from Gloucester Township, New Jersey, has been charged with first-degree murder following a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a 53-year-old man. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office has alleged that Matthew Lucas fatally shot Anthony Sanflippo on the evening of July 9, 2023, at Sanflippo’s apartment complex.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 5 p.m. as Sanflippo stood at the doorway of his residence. Authorities indicated that following the shooting, Lucas, who was described as wearing a black surgical mask, a head garment with tassels, and distinctive green pants, fled the scene after stealing a vehicle belonging to a witness at the apartment complex.
Law enforcement efforts led them to track down the stolen vehicle four days later on July 13, when New York City police located it on West 49th Street. Lucas was apprehended approximately one block away while engaged in an unrelated criminal activity. Upon his arrest, officers recovered a .45 caliber handgun from Lucas, which was later confirmed to match a shell casing found at the site of Sanflippo’s murder.
Significantly, when taken into custody, Lucas was reportedly wearing the same outfit described by witnesses during the shooting. Furthermore, investigators discovered blood-stained green pants within the recovered stolen vehicle, bolstering the evidence against him.
As it stands, Lucas is currently detained at Rikers Island in New York City while awaiting extradition proceedings to New Jersey. The legal process surrounding this case is unfolding, as the charges against Lucas include not only first-degree murder but also additional related offenses stemming from his actions both during and after the shooting incident.
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns related to gun violence and criminal behavior within communities. The authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information about the case to come forward, as investigations remain pivotal in addressing such occurrences and ensuring justice for victims.
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