Edgewater Park Man Indicted for Killing his Mother in her Home

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a 53-year-old man has been indicted for killing his mother inside of her residence at the Courtyard

Apartments in Edgewater Park last year.

Brian Templeton (photo) was indicted by a grand jury on charges of Murder (First Degree), Desecration of Human Remains (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree), and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree).

The indictment was returned yesterday and signed by Prosecutor Coffina. An arraignment will be scheduled soon in Superior Court. Templeton is currently detained at the Burlington County Jail.

The investigation began on November 11, 2019, after an employee of the apartment complex asked police to check on 77-year-old Doris Templeton because she had not been seen nor heard from in more than two weeks.

The investigation revealed that on or about October 24, 2019, Templeton, who had been staying with his mother at her unit in the complex, killed Doris Templeton inside of her apartment, put her body into a chest and loaded it into the back of his car.

The body was discovered by investigators in the parking lot of Templeton’s employer on November 12, 2019. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head.

Templeton will be prosecuted by BCPO Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit – Violent Crimes Section. The lead investigator is BCPO Detective Brian Miller.

An indictment is an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety

Editor\’s Note

: Former Gloucester City Police Office John Driscoll shares his personal thoughts below about his battle with PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. He included some suggestions on what he did to cope with these common problems. According to the

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

PTSD can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of weakness. A number of factors can increase the chance that someone will develop PTSD, many of which are not under that person\’s control. For example, if you were directly exposed to trauma or are injured, you are more likely to develop PTSD.

*****

(olive-wolverine-471793.hostingersite.com)(January 10, 2020)–My name is John Driscoll and I suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Although, people who suffer from depression, anxiety or any number of mental illnesses do not always require a starting point or trauma mine did.

Recently, after, my community experienced a great loss, I contemplated sharing my story including what initiated my disorder, how I was diagnosed, and how I am impacted by it. However, after some consideration, I thought it might be more helpful, at least to some, if I share my coping mechanisms, techniques and some information about treatments I have explored in hopes that they might help someone else.

image courtesy of https://www.freedomcounselingutah.com/

So, I have listed a few items below that may help you if you are suffering from a mental illness.

Care for yourself. If you are not taking care of yourself physically, attempt too. If you started to go to the gym- good for you. If you had a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar- good for you. If you walked around the block for the first time in a year- good for you. If it was the first time in two days that you got out of bed and took a shower-good for you. I know that if you suffer from depression it can be difficult to exercise. Even, getting out of bed can feel like you already have a great weight to lift, but, find the strength, and take that first step. Then, add to it, and slowly you will feel better. I still suffer but maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces my depression.

Consider treatments like therapy, service animals, medication and/or peer groups. The sooner one gets help, usually, dictates the better the outcome. Also, everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another, so, give different remedies a try if need be. Furthermore, you can get a bad doctor or therapist like you can get a bad mechanic, so, if one isn’t good for you, get another doctor.

Speak up when you are hurting. I was afraid to speak up because of the stigma I thought that would be placed upon me. And, I thought a police officer can’t ask for help. I thought it was a sign of weakness, or that I would lose my job, but I was wrong. If I had received help when I was starting to deteriorate, I may have never gotten to my breaking point.

Feel no shame about your condition. You are not to blame. You are not weak. You have made it this far despite your medical challenges.

Know that if you were the best mechanic before you knew your diagnosis, or before your peers knew your diagnosis you are still the best mechanic. Don’t let someone take that from you. I cannot tell you how many times someone attempted to invalidate something I did or said because they, now, know I have PTSD. PTSD doesn’t mean I am no longer a good father or husband.

Apologize if you wronged someone. Your mental illness does not give you the right to treat others poorly. If once, you apologized to them, and they can’t or won’t forgive you then move on. Only apologize once. There is no living in the past.

Forgive, if you can, and you will feel better/lighter.

Avoid overindulgence in drugs and/or alcohol. Consider avoiding them altogether as they are not the solution and can easily exacerbate your mental health issues.

Rest if you are hit with a steep depression. It is okay to take a day off from work and spend it in bed. No one would want you coming into work with the flu, nor should they want you coming into work in a depressive state. You must realize that you are sick, however, you can’t spend too much time in bed. After you are rested from having the flu you get up and you must do the same after a depressive episode.

Utilize the tools available. I try to keep my mind occupied as it helps reduce the effects of my PTSD. Sometimes watching a movie or reading an article can do the trick, However, I feel I must be riveted in a book or movie for it to have any significant impact. One thing that has proven helpful in redirecting my mind when it is thrust into a negative episode is doing some activity that requires me to utilize my mental and physical abilities at the same time. So, try challenging yourself to do something that requires both. I find even a simple game of solitaire can help to redirect me. There are numerous apps that you can also utilize like Box Breathe.

Remember that the old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” should be applied to all social media accounts like Facebook. Social media does not tell the entire story. That picture of a smiling man may be the façade of a man with many problems including depression.

Celebrate good moments.

Last, and most important is having a good support system if you have someone already- great, and if you don’t get someone, talk to a family member, friend, therapist, or join a peer group, but never give up.

John Driscoll,

Retired Police Officer

Some Quick References

American Addiction Centers. (2019, October 10).

Can Alcohol Induce Depression?

Retrieved from American Addiction Centers: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/depression

Greenberg, M. (2017, April 2).

Stuck in Negative Thinking? It Could Be Your Brain

. Retrieved from Psycology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201704/stuck-in-negative-thinking-it-could-be-your-brain

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017, September 27).

Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms

. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495

Grace Mary Schiavone (nee Sorace) of Aiken, SC, formerly of Bellmawr NJ, age 91

Grace Mary Schiavone (nee Sorace), born in Philadelphia, PA on August 24, 1929, passed away January 8, 2020. Currently an Aiken (South Carolina) resident and formerly of Bellmawr, NJ.

She was predeceased by Parents Isadore and Mary Sorace, Brothers Charles and Benjamin Sorace, Sister Frances Gagliardi, Husband and Father of her Children, Albert Charles Schiavo, second Husband Peter Schiavone and Son Albert Schiavo.

She is survived by her 6 Children – Daughter Janet DePrince (Frank), Son Robert Schiavo (Chris), Daughter Marie McFadden (Michael), Daughters Eleanor Togneri and Florence Schiavo, Son Anthony Schiavo, Grandsons Albert Schiavo and Evan Andrews, brother Salvatore Sorace, many Nieces and Nephews and Sister In Heart Gloria Spalinski.

As a young girl, Grace was a ballerina with LaScala Opera Company in Philadelphia for several years. She was their youngest dancer at that time.

Grace had a passion for life and her favorite hobbies were sewing, crocheting, creating beaded bracelets, cooking, baking and playing Bingo. She volunteered for the Aiken Chapter of The Lydia’s Project. She had special stories about her appear in the Aiken Standard and Bella Magazine for two businesses she started at ages 89 and 90 – “Tutu Cute Totes” and “Gracelets”.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Grace on Saturday, January 11 at George Funeral Home, 211 Park Avenue SW, Aiken. Visitation will begin at 10am and a service at 11am, followed by a luncheon at the same location. All are welcome to attend to celebrate the life of Grace!

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the following groups: Prisma Health Hospice, PO Box 7275, Columbia, SC 29202; SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken, SC 29801; The Lydia’s Project, Aiken Volunteer Chapter at Cedar Creek, 1369 Interstate Parkway, Augusta, GA 30909.

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may be left by visiting

www.georgefuneralhomes.com

Murphy Signs Bill That Bans Shark Fins

Yesterday, Murphy signed S2905 (Singleton), which prohibits certain possession, sale, trade, distribution, or offering for sale of shark fins.

“The shark population has been decimated. This legislation will go a long way toward helping protect them in New Jersey. Shark finning has led to the overfishing and overexploitation of shark species. Since shark fin soup is a delicacy, the fins are sold at high prices resulting in tens of millions of sharks being killed every year. This has led to a dramatic decrease in the shark population with some species like the smooth hammerhead dropping a staggering 99% since 1972. When sharks are removed from an ecosystem, it triggers a collapse in the entire food web and can lead to problems with our own marine food sources,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “This law will help end the practice of shark finning that endangers the species.”

A person who violates the bill’s prohibitions against the possession, sale, trade, distribution, or offer for sale of shark fins is subject: (1) for a first offense, to a civil administrative penalty of not less than $5,000 or more than $15,000; (2) for a second offense, to a civil administrative penalty of not less than $15,000 or more than $35,000; and (3) for a third or subsequent offense, to a civil administrative penalty of not less than $35,000 or more than $55,000, or by imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.

“By signing this bill, Governor Murphy is standing up to protect the shark population. The harvesting of shark fins is senseless slaughter. The fins are removed from the sharks while they are still alive, and then the sharks are left to die. This legislation is necessary because the practice of shark finning is brutal and unnecessary causing a rapid decline of shark species, which we may see go extinct unless we move to protect them. No one needs shark fins except sharks. This law will help preserve hundreds of ecologically important shark species and stop them from being slaughtered for soup,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

Marion A. Fulginiti, of Cherry Hill, age 95

Cherry Hill – Surrounded, cared and loved by her devoted family, (nee Lomanno) Age 95 on January 2, 2020. Loving wife of 54 years to the late Joseph Fulginiti. Cherished mother of Anthony (Deborah) Fulginiti, Linda (James) Elias, Diane (Pete) Bellerjeau and Marion (Chuck) Billingham. Beloved grandmother of Carolyn Fulginiti, Joseph Fulginiti, Lynn Elias, Joanna (Dan) Quaintance, Jamie Laspata, Chuckie (Jessica) Billingham, Michael Billingham (girlfriend Jennifer). Loving great-grandmother of Angelina, Frankie, Grayson and Colton. Dear Sister of Rita Gabrieli (Frank). Survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Marion was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She was a 1941 graduate of South Philadelphia High School.

Marion was a sales clerk for Lit Brothers, Klein’s and John Wanamaker’s. She was a member of the Cherry Hill Maturity Club. Marion was a former devoted parishioner of Saint Peter’s R.C. Church in Merchantville. She loved her family most of all. Her life was dedicated to her family. Marion also enjoyed the casino, shopping, cooking and baking.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Marion’s Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 10 am in Saint Peter’s R.C. Church: 43 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109. Committal Prayers and Entombment with her late husband, Joseph at Calvary Mausoleum, Cherry Hill. There will be NO viewing prior to Mass.

Family respectfully requests in lieu of all flowers, memorial donations in Marion’s name to Bayada Hospice: 503 A Birchfield Drive, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054. Attn: Danielle Bennett

Please write in memo of check: Marion A. Fulginiti

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Marion A. Fulginiti. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City

Ph: 856-456-1142