69-Year-Old Westville Man Sentenced to 12 years

Woodbury, NJ – Michael A. Zappley, 69, of Westville, (photo) was sentenced to 12 years in state prison Friday, September 25, 2026, by the Honorable Niki Arbittier for aggravated manslaughter in the 2016 death of Miguel Martinez III in Deptford.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court:

Family members reported Martinez missing on June 15, 2016. For several months detectives investigated, continually checking hospitals, phone records, social media records, and interviewing individuals, but were unable to locate Martinez.

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Suspect Arrested and Charged in Lindenwold Stabbing

A Lindenwold man has been arrested and charged for stabbing another man on Wednesday afternoon, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Lindenwold Police Chief Michael McCarthy.

Sean Hammonds, 34, is charged with 1st -degree Attempted Murder, 2nd -degree Aggravated Assault, 3rd – degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and 4th -degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.

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National Seafood Month 2026

October is National Seafood Month, a time to celebrate the essential role American seafood plays in feeding our nation, powering coastal economies, and preserving a heritage built around our working waterfronts. I’ve been part of the seafood sector my whole life, so to me, my family, and my colleagues at NOAA Fisheries, every month is Seafood Month! But October gives us the welcome opportunity to swell the tide of national gratitude for the hardworking fishermen and seafood farmers who feed us. Thanks to them and our science-based management system, American seafood represents the gold standard for sustainability. And while 50 years of management under the Magnuson-Stevens Act has made the United States the model for sustainable fisheries, there is still work to be done.

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Philadelphia Police Share Family Approved Fundraisers for Officers Seiber and Rodriguez III

The Philadelphia Police Department remains deeply grateful for the outpouring of support for Police Officer Shane Seiber, Police Officer Hector Rodriguez III, and their families following the October 10 shooting in West Philadelphia.

At approximately 12:17 a.m., the two 19th District officers responded to a report of a person with a gun on the 100 block of North 52nd Street. Both officers were shot multiple times during a violent attack by a gunman who was later arrested. They were transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where medical teams worked tirelessly to save their lives. Officer Seiber fought valiantly but succumbed to his injuries later that morning. Officer Rodriguez remains hospitalized as he continues his recovery.

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School Lockdown and Evacuation Updates

On Friday, October 16, 2026, Philadelphia Police responded to reports of threats made against three Philadelphia schools. Preliminary information indicates that the threats were made by the same caller, prompting precautionary lockdown and evacuation procedures at the affected schools.

At Masterman School, located at 1699 Spring Garden Street, a lockdown began at approximately 8:30 a.m., and the school was cleared at 9:31 a.m.

At the School of the Future, located at 4021 Parkside Avenue, an evacuation was initiated at approximately 9:32 a.m. Normal school operations resumed at 10:28 a.m.

At Benjamin Franklin High School, located at 550 N. Broad Street, an evacuation was initiated at approximately 9:28 a.m. Normal school operations resumed at 9:56 a.m.

Following police assessments of the affected locations, all three threats were determined to be unfounded. The Philadelphia Police Department continues to review the circumstances surrounding the calls.

Enjoy the Fall Weather and the Happenings in the First State

October brings a noticeable shift across Delaware. Cooler temperatures settle in, leaves begin to change and wildlife prepare for the months ahead.

It’s also a great time to experience the outdoors and see how Delaware’s natural spaces change with the season. This month, we’re sharing some of what’s happening across DNREC and a few ways to make the most of fall in the First State.

Two young girls decorate pumpkins at Pond Fest at Lums Pond State Park, which will be held this year on Oct. 10.

Pumpkin decorating is just one of the fun activities available during festivals at
Delaware State Parks this fall. /DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation photo

Join Delaware State Parks for Fall Events Throughout the 17 Parks

This fall, visitors can turn a trip to Delaware State Parks into the ultimate fall road trip with festivities popping up across the state.

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Philadelphia Police Incidents

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at approximately 9:03 a.m., officers responded to the unit block of North Edgewood Street for a report of a person with a weapon and a possible stabbing.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent stab wound. The male was pronounced deceased at 9:19 a.m.

During the incident, a barricade situation was declared. The barricade has since been resolved, with one adult male taken into police custody. No one else was injured during the incident.

The investigation is ongoing with the Homicide Unit.

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Winslow Township-Free Health Fair

Winslow Township invites residents to attend a free community health fair.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Winslow Township Senior Center
33 Cooper Folly Rd
Atco, NJ 08004

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HUD Makes It Easier to Build More Housing

HUD today announced that its Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is expanding access to quality rental housing by allowing Build to Rent communities to qualify for FHA-insured financing under two of its Multifamily mortgage insurance programs. Effective immediately, this update makes it easier to finance new rental homes and helps increase the supply of rental housing, particularly in light of manufactured housing innovation.

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Justin D. Barci, age 43, Pleads Guilty to Theft and Burglary Charges

Woodbury, NJ – Justin Barci, 43, of Sicklerville, was sentenced to three years in state prison by the Honorable Niki Arbitter consistent with a negotiated plea agreement.