Good morning, South Jersey.
Can you do us a favor? Ask Curious South Jersey anything that’s been on your mind about the region. Our reporters might just pick it up. I’m sure you have questions, and we want to provide more coverage relevant to you. Let’s help each other.
Now, let’s dive into today’s news.
The man who fatally stabbed a Cherry Hill veterinarian was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison.
And Mount Laurel School District chose a longtime Cherry Hill education leader as its new superintendent.
Plus, the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic tomorrow, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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‘Your life is officially over’
The man who killed a beloved Cherry Hill veterinarian at his home in 2024 was sentenced to 30 years in prison without parole on Thursday.
Michael Anthony, a divorced father of two, was found on his front lawn stabbed multiple times. Prosectors believe Cristian Custodio-Aquino drove across the country from Portland, Ore., in a jealous rage to kill Anthony, who was his ex-partner’s new partner.
At sentencing, Anthony’s family members and partner shared heartfelt words in his memory.
His teenage son did not mince words to his father’s killer.
“Your life is officially over,” Henry Anthony said. “I honestly wonder what your reason for living will be for the next 30 years.”
Reporter Jesse Bunch has more details about the day in court.
Meet Mount Laurel’s new superintendent
Mount Laurel public schools tapped longtime Cherry Hill educator Neil Burti to step into the role of superintendent starting Aug. 1.
Burti has more than 25 years of experience as an educator and administrator. He will succeed George Rafferty, who is set to retire after helming the district for a decade.
While serving at Cherry Hill Public Schools, Burti had roles in all levels of leadership and was most recently the director of secondary education for the school district.
The Inquirer’s Lacey Latch has more on Mount Laurel’s new education leader.
What to know today
- Camden residents faced a second round of flooding on some streets after more thunderstorms arrived on Thursday, 6abc reports. Despite the week’s storms, drought conditions persist in the region.
- Some Camden residents are concerned about a judge’s ruling to reopen EMR scrapyard after a series of fires, NBC10 reports. The facility was ordered to follow a list of safety precautions.
- The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to car traffic tomorrow to celebrate its 100th birthday. We have everything you need to know, but here’s a quick tip: The Walt Whitman and Betsy Ross will be open.
- Richard Glanton was known as a longtime lawyer, an executive counsel to former Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh, a former Lincoln University trustee, a former president of the Barnes Foundation, and more. He died of a heart attack at his home in New Jersey at 79.
- A South Jersey sergeant has been charged in connection to the deaths of two K-9 dogs after they were left unattended in a hot vehicle for seven hours, prosecutors said Wednesday.
- The Twilight Concert at Cooper River Park in Cherry Hill featuring Color Me Badd that was supposed to be Thursday evening has been rescheduled to Aug. 20 because of thunderstorms.
- Camden County will conduct mosquito spraying today in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Berlin, Winslow, and Waterford.
🧠 Trivia time
Holman Automotive was founded more than a century ago in Camden County, but in which borough?
A) Somerdale
B) Merchantville
C) Brooklawn
D) Tavistock
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🎺 Anticipating: ReBirth Brass Band’s performance at XPoNential Music Festival at Wiggins Park in Camden this September.
🏠 Exploring: The history of the several Lustron Homes made of steel that were sold to Jersey buyers.
🍿 Making: Bets on which TV shows will win at the Emmys now that the nominations are out.
🏖️ Down the Shore
This feature appears as part of our weekly summertime series from Shore reporter Amy S. Rosenberg. Subscribe to her free Down the Shore newsletter here.
We asked readers about why they’re willing to wait in long lines while on vacation via the Shore Line group chat. Yes, some say they would never, but others were surprisingly sentimental about it.
Here are a few of the responses:
I’ll wait in a longer line down the shore. It’s tradition and fun to meet people in line.
Standing in line for ice cream is a social event as well as eating the ice cream. Also, the ice cream is usually special.
It is akin to vacation time. No schedule; fun time. You just want go enjoy and socialize. Standing in line is a part of that experience and considered acceptable for that reason.
What are some traditions you’ll do regardless of how long it takes? Email Rosenberg at downtheshore@inquirer.com.
📸 Photo of the week
Officials described Monday’s flooding in Camden as the worst they’ve seen in the city.
And that’s all I have for you. Enjoy your weekend! I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday morning. 📧
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