Oregon man pleads guilty in 2024 killing of Cherry Hill veterinarian
Investigators said a pair of eyeglasses found near Anthony’s body led to the identification of Custodio-Aquino. DNA recovered from the glasses matched Custodio-Aquino, authorities said.
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An Oregon man has pleaded guilty to the 2024 stabbing death of a Cherry Hill veterinarian and is expected to serve 30 years in state prison, authorities said.
Cristian Custodio-Aquino, 28, of Portland, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Camden County Superior Court to first-degree murder in the death of 45-year-old Dr. Michael Anthony of Cherry Hill, according to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
Under the plea agreement, Custodio-Aquino is expected to be sentenced July 9 to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison without the possibility of early parole.
Police responded to the 100 block of Sharrowvale Road on Dec. 10, 2024, and found Anthony unconscious with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Investigators said a pair of eyeglasses found near Anthony’s body led to the identification of Custodio-Aquino. DNA recovered from the glasses matched Custodio-Aquino, authorities said. Detectives also found his black Nissan Altima at the scene and later recovered blood inside the vehicle that DNA testing identified as belonging to Anthony.
Custodio-Aquino was charged on Feb. 7, 2025, and arrested four days later in Fresno, California, by the U.S. Marshals.
Cherry Hill Police Chief John Ostermueller said resolving the case through a plea spared Anthony’s family and friends the burden of a trial.
