50 Years Later, Detectives Are Asking For Your Help In Solving A 1973 Double Homicide
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 6:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PLAINFIELD, NJ.- The Plainfield Police Department, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office are asking anyone with information regarding the cold case shooting deaths of John Sabbatino and Jeanne Biondo that occurred back in April of 1973.
According to Authorities, on April 19, 1973, shortly before 4:00 a.m., John Sabbatino, 27, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was found dead near Otis and Grove Avenues in Edison, New Jersey. Just three hours later, on April 19, 1973, Jeanne Biondo, 37, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, was found dead inside a parked vehicle in the rear of Plainfield Motor Vehicle Inspection Station on South Second Street in Plainfield, New Jersey.
During the initial investigation, Detectives determined that both Mr. Sabbatino and Ms. Biondo suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Based on the ensuing investigation conducted in 1973, both victims were reported to be at several different locations in Middlesex County before their deaths.
Before his death, Mr. Sabbatino was reported to have been at the following locations: Mike Kerwin’s Tavern, located at 353 Bound Brook Road in Middlesex, New Jersey; Carousel Lounge, located at South Washington Avenue and Metlars Lane in Piscataway, New Jersey; and Cloud Nine Lounge, located at 275 Route 18 in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Ms. Biondo was reported to have been at the following locations before her death: Cloud Nine Lounge, located at 275 Route 18 in East Brunswick, New Jersey; Midstate Bowling Alley, located at the Midstate Mall at 300 Route 18 in East Brunswick, New Jersey; Homestead Motel which was located at the exact location as Cloud Nine Lounge at 275 Route 18 in East Brunswick, New Jersey; and the Deauville Diner located at 245 Route 18 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Investigators believe there may be individuals who have yet to come forward with information. Investigators emphasize that any detail, even if it seems insignificant, could be the missing piece that helps bring closure to the families.
“John Sabbatino and Jeanne Biondo were tragically taken from their families and loved ones,” Plainfield Police Director James Abney stated. “Someone out there knows what happened that night, and we implore them to come forward with any information they may have, no matter how small it may seem.”
Anyone with information should contact Plainfield Police Lieutenant William Tyler at (908) 753-3036, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant Paul Kelley at (732) 745-3330, or Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Patrick Bradley at (908) 418-2817.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at (908) 654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org. Submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an indictment and conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.
