Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today an Essex County Grand Jury has indicted two men for the April 2010 murder of 91-year-old Robert Foster Nevius of Essex Fells.
The nine-count indictment, made public today, charges Reginald Anthony, 29, and Shaun Woodson, 25, both of East Orange, with murder, felony murder, burglary, robbery, conspiracy and weapons offenses. Woodson was also charged with resisting arrest.
On April 14, 2010, Anthony was hired as a fill-in chauffeur to drive Janet Nevius, the victim’s wife, to New York City for an overnight trip. Recognizing the husband was home alone, it is alleged Anthony and Woodson decided to burglarize the house. When Nevius put up a fight, it is further alleged the two defendants beat, strangled and stabbed Nevius.
Police discovered Mr. Nevius’s body the next day when he missed an appointment. Local police officers made a welfare check on the house after a friend became concerned.
It was only the second time Anthony had driven for the family. His aunt, the regular chauffeur, had worked for the family for 12 years.
The next scheduled court appearance for Woodson and Anthony is May 3 before the Honorable Peter Vazquez, J.S.C. On that date the two are expected to be arraigned on the charges in the indictment.
If convicted of the charges, both men face life in prison without possibility of parole.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until they plead guilty or found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
