Joseph F. Palmer III Pleads Guilty to EHC Murders

 
An Egg Harbor City man pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated manslaughter on Wednesday in front of Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Joseph F. Palmer III, of Egg Harbor City, admitted to killing Michelle Pabst, 38, and her son Gavin Pabst, 7, in 2014.

Per his plea agreement, Palmer will serve 30 years for the killing of Michelle Pabst and 25 years for the killing of Gavin Pabst. The sentences will be served consecutively at a state prison, which means that he will serve at least 51 years before being eligible for parole, according to the prosecutor's office.

On Nov. 12, 2014, police and fire crews responded to a fire at 214 Washington Ave. in Egg Harbor City.

Palmer, who lived with the two victims at that address, was found outside the house by authorities and was treated for injuries.

After the fire was extinguished, authorities found the bodies of both the mother and her son inside the house. The state Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the cause of death for Michelle Pabst was due to multiple sharp and blunt force injuries. Gavin Pabst's death was caused by multiple stab wounds.

Palmer was subsequently arrested and charged in connection of the two deaths and for intentionally starting the fire to destroy the house.

Bail was set for $2 million cash. Palmer has been in Atlantic County Jail since his bail hearing.

Two days after the murders, a vigil was held for the victims in Egg Harbor City that was attended by hundreds of people.
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/egg-harbor-city-man-pleads-guilty-to-murder-aggravated-manslaughter/article_36f3ff02-c54f-11e5-be04-9f5f3a4e77b6.html

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