MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — A Medford Township man has been convicted of first-degree murder for killing his wife in their home two years ago, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced.
A jury on Thursday found 43-year-old Babu Natarajan guilty following a three-hour deliberation in Superior Court. Judge Gerard H. Breland scheduled sentencing for May 23.
Authorities began their investigation on the afternoon of March 21, 2023, after Medford Township police responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at a Regent Court residence.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 41-year-old Angammal Babu deceased on a bed in the master bedroom. Her husband, who had placed the 911 call, told officers she had gone to take a nap because she was tired.
An autopsy conducted by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined that the cause of death was neck compression.
Investigation and prosecution
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office led the investigation along with the Medford Township Police Department. Detectives Al-Jerome Burnett-Crawford and Melyssa Alonso of the prosecutor’s office worked alongside Medford detectives Sergeant Jeff Samalonis and Mark Hunsinger.
Natarajan was taken into custody following the medical examiner’s ruling and the outcome of initial investigative interviews. No additional suspects were identified during the investigation.
The case proceeded to trial, where the jury heard evidence and testimony over multiple days before returning a guilty verdict.
Key Points
- Babu Natarajan was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Angammal Babu.
- The victim was found unresponsive in the couple’s bedroom in March 2023.
- An autopsy concluded she died from compression of the neck.
Sentencing will take place next month in Burlington County Superior Court, where Natarajan faces life in prison.
Strangulation death in quiet New Jersey suburb ends in murder conviction.
