A man accused of murdering a Madison, NJ resident died while being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey.

The 58-year-old suspect was accused of committing the murder earlier this year. He was being held in the jail while awaiting an arraignment to determine whether he would go to trial.

The 34-year-old victim owned a construction company that operated out of Madison, NJ. The victim’s body was found in the backseat of a car parked near Woodland Cemetery on February 24. A short time later, the suspect was arrested and formally charged.

According to an Essex County assistant prosecutor, the defendant died on March 14. No foul play is suspected in the death. A county medical examiner evaluated the suspect and determined that he died of natural causes.

Had the suspect been arraigned and gone to trial on the murder charges, he would have been subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, a conviction for first degree homicide carries a potential penalty of 30 years to life in NJ State Prison.

For additional information, see the NJ.com article entitled “Newark Man Awaiting Court Date in Slaying of Madison Man Dies in Jail.“

If you are facing homicide charges in New Jersey, contact Morristown NJ criminal defense attorney Travis J. Tormey for a free consultation about your case.