By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK — A 37-year-old man has been charged with murder for allegedly killing a woman who lived in the same house with him on Jones Drive, according to the South Brunswick Township Police Department.
Andre Griffith was picked up in New York City shortly after 1 a.m. Oct. 1, following an intensive weeklong search for him, police said. He is accused of killing Samantha Ross, 47, on Sept. 24 in the house that they shared.
The investigation began after Ms. Ross’ relatives, concerned for her welfare, called police. Officers entered the house at 607 Jones Drive and found her body. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:07 a.m. Sept. 24.
An autopsy performed by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the cause of death as homicidal asphyxiation, police said.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey praised the “diligent efforts” of law enforcement officers that led to Mr. Griffith’s apprehension. Those agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Unit, the New York City Police Department, the South Brunswick Township Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mr. Griffith is being held in New York. It was not immediately determined when he will be returned to New Jersey. Bail in New Jersey has been set at $1 million.
The investigation is still continuing. Anyone with information should call Det. Eric Tighelaar of the South Brunswick Township Police Department at 732-329-4646, or Det. Craig Marchak of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3254.
