Convicted attempted murderer flees custody in controversial release program revived by phil murphy

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ – A man who tried to kill his mother and father just days after he was released from prison has escaped custody from a program that was extended by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy earlier this year.

Edward Berbon, an inmate serving time for attempted murder, escaped from custody while on a work detail in Mount Laurel on Tuesday.

According to authorities, Berbon was under the supervision of the New Jersey Department of Corrections. At the time of the escape, he was assigned to a halfway house. He had served 18 years in prison and was to be paroled soon.

Berbon walked away from a work release program this weekend and never returned home Saturday evening. Berbon has been in custody since 2005 and was set for release on February 12, 2024.

In 2004, just hours after his last release from prison, he tried to kill his mother and father. Police said Berbon is not considered a risk to the public.

He was released under a New Jersey program called Residential Community Reintegration Program. That program was to expire on December 7, 2022. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy extended that program 180 days until June 5, 2023 this past May.

The Mount Laurel police urge anyone who sees Berbon to call 911 immediately.

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