New Jersey

Man Accused of Killing 84-Year-Old Mother-in-Law in New Jersey Town

James Pica, 58, allegedly called the Nutley Police Department shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday saying he had killed his mother-in-law, Barbara Ann Bezzone.

James Pica, who is accused of killing his mother-in-law in New Jersey after he called 911 and confessed to the crime, police said
Essex County Prosecutor's Office

What to Know

  • A man is accused of killing his 84-year-old mother-in-law in Nutley, New Jersey after calling 911 and confessing to the crime, authorities said.
  • James Pica, 58, allegedly called the Nutley Police Department shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday saying he had killed his mother-in-law, Barbara Ann Bezzone.
  • When police arrived to the location on Prospect Street, they discovered the victim lying on the floor unresponsive with severe injuries, according to authorities.

A man is accused of killing his 84-year-old mother-in-law in Nutley, New Jersey after calling 911 and confessing to the crime, authorities said.

James Pica, 58, allegedly called the Nutley Police Department shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday saying he had killed his mother-in-law, Barbara Ann Bezzone.

When police arrived to the location on Prospect Street, they discovered the victim lying on the floor unresponsive with severe injuries, according to authorities. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:45 p.m.

Pica was subsequently arrested and charged with her murder. It is unknown if he retained an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office and Nutley Police Department continue to investigate the case.

Authorities initially described the incident as a "suspicious" death of a woman, although prosecutors declined to share additional details until Wednesday afternoon.

Photos showed cops going in and out of what appeared to be a single-family home as the lights of police cruisers flashed in an otherwise dark night sky.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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