ECPO: Nutley man charged with murdering his mother-in-law

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Nutley Police Department are investigating the murder of Barbara Ann Bezzone, 84, of Nutley, who it appears was killed by her son-in-law, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Nutley Police Chief Thomas J. Strumolo announced this afternoon.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, on Tuesday, Dec. 14, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Nutley police received a 911 call from a man on Prospect Street who said he had killed his mother-in-law.

When police arrived, they said they discovered Bezzone lying on the floor, unresponsive, with severe injuries.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:45 p.m.

James Pica, 58, was arrested and charged with her murder.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 877-847-7432.

All calls are kept confidential.

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