Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Moorestown Township Public Safety Director Patrick J. Reilly Jr. revealed that a 73-year-old Moorestown man faced charges on Thursday for murdering his wife in their East Camden Avenue residence. Gerard Slavin was charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault – Strangulation.
He was held at the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly awaiting a detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation commenced just before 3 p.m. on Thursday after authorities received a call regarding the Slavin’s home in the Moorestowne Woods Apartment Homes. Responding officers from the Moorestown Township Police Department discovered the lifeless body of Linda Slavin, 73, in the couple’s bedroom.
Following the incident, Gerard Slavin was taken into custody without any complications. The Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood performed an autopsy on Friday, confirming that Linda Slavin’s cause of death was strangulation. Authorities from the Moorestown Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office are leading the ongoing investigation with MTPD Det. Ryan Carr and Prosecutor’s Office detectives Shawn McDonough and Katie White at the helm.
- Spirit Christmas expands New Jersey holiday pop-ups with new 2025 locations including Toms River
TOMS RIVER, N.J. – Spirit Christmas, known for its seasonal pop-up shops filled with holiday decor, apparel, and gifts, is returning to New Jersey with an expanded lineup of stores for the 2025 holiday season.
In addition to established locations in Mays Landing, Marlton, Brick, and Woodbridge last year, new storefronts will open this year in Cherry Hill, Lawrenceville, Paramus, Rockaway, and Toms River.
Confirmed 2025 store locations include:
- 190 Hamilton Commons, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
- 2234 W Marlton Pike Rd, Plot E3, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
- 1379 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753
- 3371 Brunswick Ave, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
- 34 East Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
- 357 Mount Hope Ave, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Shoppers can expect a wide selection of Christmas decorations, from artificial trees and lights to outdoor inflatables. The stores also feature gifts, stocking stuffers, and home goods for all ages.
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Beyond merchandise, Spirit Christmas offers immersive experiences, including themed displays like “Peppermint Village,” a “Letters to Santa” station, and in some stores, “Creepmas” décor for those seeking a spooky twist on the holidays. Select locations may also host photo opportunities with Santa.
The pop-up chain, an offshoot of Spirit Halloween, is designed to bring a festive shopping experience while operating for just a few months each year.
- Congressman Says America Weaponized Ticks and Developed Lyme Disease Weapons at Joint Base During Cold War in New Jersey
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has approved an amendment from Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) directing federal investigators to examine whether the Department of Defense experimented with weaponizing ticks during the Cold War.
The measure, attached to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), tasks the Government Accountability Office (GAO) with reviewing military, NIH, USDA, and other agency research between 1945 and 1972 involving tick-borne bacteria.
Smith, a longtime advocate for Lyme disease research, cited concerns that past military experiments may be linked to the spread of Lyme disease, which is widespread in his home state of New Jersey. “As the threat of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses looms larger every year, an investigation into its origins may provide answers for those that suffer from Lyme,” Smith said.
New Jersey ranks among the nation’s highest for Lyme cases, with infections reported in all 21 counties. Smith noted that military personnel training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst are also at increased risk during peak tick season.
The amendment follows earlier unsuccessful efforts in 2019 and 2021. Smith pointed to the book Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons by Kris Newby, which includes interviews with Dr. Willy Burgdorfer, the scientist who discovered the Lyme-causing bacterium and who previously worked as a U.S. government bioweapons researcher.
The House passed Smith’s measure as part of the sweeping $892.6 billion NDAA, which authorizes a 3.8% pay raise for service members, $22 billion in shipbuilding, $38 billion for air dominance programs, and $142 billion for research and development, including counter-drone technologies.
The bill also funds $3 billion for new military housing, childcare centers, and schools, and allocates billions to secure the southern border, strengthen Taiwan’s defenses, support Israel’s missile programs, and rebuild U.S. munitions stockpiles.
The Senate must still consider the NDAA, which has previously been a roadblock for Smith’s tick-related amendment.
Key Points
- The House passed Rep. Chris Smith’s amendment to investigate Cold War-era tick bioweapons research.
- The probe will review military and federal agency research from 1945 to 1972.
- The amendment is part of the $892.6 billion FY26 NDAA, which also funds pay raises, weapons programs, and military housing.
The tick mystery now heads to the Senate as lawmakers weigh the defense bill.
- Stockton University locked down after shooting near housing complex, shooters last seen heading toward school
Galloway Township, NJ – Stockton University was placed on lockdown Thursday after a shooting at an off-campus housing complex left one person wounded and prompted a search for two suspects.
The shooting occurred just before 1 p.m. near Jimmie Leeds Road and Redwood Avenue, police said. A victim was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s City Campus in Atlantic City for treatment. The hospital’s Mainland Campus near the university was also temporarily locked down, according to reports.
Authorities said the suspects were seen fleeing in a white sedan that entered Stockton’s campus, traveling north on Vera King Farris Drive. The vehicle has not been located.
An alert issued by the university shortly after 2 p.m. described one of the suspects as a white male wearing a green shirt with long blond hair.
Classes and activities were suspended as campus police and Galloway Township officers searched the area. As of Thursday afternoon, the lockdown remained in effect while investigators continued their search.
Key Points
- Stockton University was placed on lockdown after a shooting near campus housing in Galloway Township.
- One victim was hospitalized in Atlantic City following the 1 p.m. shooting.
- Police are searching for two suspects in a white sedan, including one described as a white male with long blond hair and a green shirt.
Campus remained under tight security as the manhunt unfolded.
- Cherry Hill firefighter retires after 25 years of decorated service
CHERRY HILL, NJ – The Cherry Hill Fire Department is honoring Firefighter Gary E. Miller, Jr., who will retire on September 1 after more than two decades of dedicated service to the community.
Miller began his career as a probationary firefighter in March 2000 with Ladder 1344 on the B Platoon. Before joining full-time, he volunteered with the Deer Park and Woodcrest fire companies and worked as a minimum staff firefighter.
Over the years, Miller served across multiple platoons and units, including the Field Command Office, Ladder 1324, Squad Company 13, and Engine 1322. He earned three Departmental EMS Incident Individual Awards for life-saving CPR efforts between 2008 and 2017, including saving a newborn child in 2015.
In 2023, Miller received a Unit Citation for his role in the department’s response to a major hazardous materials incident in Gloucester County. His career also included numerous departmental accolades for exceptional service.
Miller’s final shift with the department was August 30, closing out a 25-year career marked by commitment to public safety.
The Cherry Hill Fire Department and the Board of Fire Commissioners extended their gratitude, wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Key Points
- Firefighter Gary E. Miller, Jr. is retiring from the Cherry Hill Fire Department effective September 1.
- Miller served 25 years, earning three EMS awards for life-saving CPR and a 2023 Unit Citation.
- His last day of active service was August 30.
A firefighter who dedicated his career to saving lives now closes his final chapter with honor.
- Hurricane Erin to Bring Wind, Rain, and Coastal Flooding Across New Jersey Through Friday
Heavy rain and coastal flood threat loom for New Jersey as storms roll in
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A stormy stretch is unfolding across New Jersey with showers, thunderstorms, and a growing risk of coastal flooding expected to intensify through Thursday and into the weekend, as weather systems funnel heavy rainfall and strong winds toward the shore.
Forecasters say today will bring scattered showers, with a stronger round of storms likely after 2 p.m. Some thunderstorms could bring heavy downpours, with gusty winds reaching up to 20 mph and new rainfall totals of up to a quarter-inch — more in localized thunderstorms.
Tonight, showers and thunderstorms will remain likely until after 2 a.m., with the potential for some storms to produce heavier rainfall. Rain totals could reach up to an inch overnight, with a low around 64 degrees and persistent northeast winds gusting to 20 mph.
Thursday brings more unsettled weather with a chance of showers continuing through the day. Rain may be heavy at times, especially during the afternoon and evening, as northeast winds strengthen to 15 mph and gusts climb as high as 35 mph. The high temperature will hover around 73.
A Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect from Thursday afternoon through late Friday night for Ocean, Atlantic, and Southeastern Burlington counties. The National Weather Service warns that up to two feet of water above ground level is possible in vulnerable coastal and bayside areas, which could flood roadways, impact structures, and cut off access in low-lying communities.
Tide gauges in Atlantic City and Barnegat Light are expected to approach moderate flood levels Thursday evening and again Friday night. Flooding during these periods could force road closures and cause damage to infrastructure near tidal waterways.
Local emergency management officials are advising residents to prepare for potential impacts and stay informed as forecasts evolve.
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Key Points
- Showers and thunderstorms likely through tonight, some with heavy rainfall
- Thursday to bring strong wind gusts and continued risk of heavy rain
- Coastal Flood Watch in effect through Friday night for Ocean, Atlantic, and SE Burlington counties
Storms are expected to lash New Jersey’s coast through Friday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding threats.