Teen finds his veterinarian dad stabbed in the head on their front lawn by man who brutally killed him out of jealousy
A respected New Jersey veterinarian was brutally murdered outside his home in what prosecutors described as a carefully planned act of jealousy that shocked both his community and his family. The victim, Dr. Michael Anthony, was found dead on the front lawn of his Cherry Hill, New Jersey, home after being stabbed multiple times in a violent attack. The horrifying discovery was made by his teenage son, who went looking for his father when he failed to return from an early morning walk.
Authorities later alleged that the killer, Cristian Custodio-Aquino, had driven across the country from Oregon to New Jersey to carry out the murder because he was jealous of Anthony’s relationship with his former boyfriend.
Beloved Veterinarian Found Dead Outside His Home
Dr. Michael Anthony, 45, was a well-known veterinarian and owner of Haddon Vet in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Colleagues, friends, clients, and neighbors described him as a compassionate professional who dedicated his life to caring for animals and helping pet owners throughout South Jersey.
On the morning of December 10, 2024, Anthony left his home on Sharrowvale Road in Cherry Hill for what appeared to be his regular early morning walk. According to investigators, the attack occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on the front lawn of his residence.
Authorities later determined that Anthony suffered multiple stab wounds to his body, neck, and head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Teenage Son Makes Horrifying Discovery
The tragedy became even more heartbreaking because Anthony’s 16-year-old son was the person who found him.
Prosecutors said Anthony normally returned from his morning walks in time to wake his son. When he did not come back as expected that morning, the teenager became concerned and went outside to look for him.
Instead, he discovered his father lying face down on the lawn outside their home.
Anthony’s partner, Kyle Bartsch, reportedly rushed to the scene after the discovery. The devastating loss would leave Anthony’s family, friends, and community searching for answers.
Community Mourns the Loss of a Respected Veterinarian
News of Anthony’s death sent shockwaves through Cherry Hill and surrounding communities.
Many residents described him as a friendly and caring neighbor. Clients of his veterinary practice flooded social media with tributes, remembering the care he had provided to their pets over the years.
Anthony’s journey into veterinary medicine began during his childhood near Washington, D.C. He graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College with a degree in psychology before earning his veterinary degree with honors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
After working at several veterinary practices across New Jersey, he eventually opened his own clinic and built a strong reputation within the profession.
Family and Friends Remember His Legacy
Anthony was also remembered as a devoted father and family man.
Relatives described him as deeply committed to his two sons and those closest to him. Following his death, friends and loved ones spoke publicly about the enormous void left behind by what many called a senseless and tragic act of violence.
Kyle Bartsch, Anthony’s partner of approximately three years, later described him as an exceptional person who was universally loved by those who knew him.
Investigation Reveals Evidence Left Behind at Crime Scene
In the days and weeks after the killing, investigators from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and Cherry Hill Police Department worked to determine who was responsible.
One of the major breakthroughs came when authorities recovered a pair of prescription glasses found near Anthony’s body.
Investigators traced the glasses back to a purchase made in Washington state. The discovery eventually helped direct attention toward Cristian Custodio-Aquino.
Surveillance and Vehicle Evidence Strengthen Case
Authorities also identified a black Nissan Altima that was reportedly seen entering Anthony’s neighborhood around the time of the murder and later leaving the area.
The vehicle was linked to Custodio-Aquino.
According to prosecutors, forensic analysis of the car later uncovered traces of Anthony’s blood inside the vehicle, providing additional evidence tying the suspect to the crime.
Investigators also learned that after the killing, Custodio-Aquino traveled to Fresno, California, where he stayed with a friend while attempting to evade law enforcement.
Prosecutors Say Jealousy Fueled the Murder
As investigators dug deeper into the suspect’s background, they uncovered a motive centered on jealousy.
According to prosecutors, Custodio-Aquino previously had a romantic relationship with Kyle Bartsch, Anthony’s partner.
The two men had reportedly lived together in New Jersey before separating in 2021 following a domestic dispute.
Cross-Country Journey Allegedly Planned in Advance
Prosecutors alleged that Custodio-Aquino became consumed by jealousy over Bartsch’s relationship with Anthony.
They claimed he carefully planned the attack and drove thousands of miles from Portland, Oregon, to New Jersey specifically to kill Anthony.
During court proceedings, prosecutors described the killing as an assassination motivated by long-standing resentment and jealousy.
They argued that the suspect lay in wait and attacked Anthony during his routine morning walk, ensuring he would be vulnerable and alone.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
After gathering evidence, authorities eventually located Custodio-Aquino in Fresno, California.
He was arrested and extradited to New Jersey to face charges connected to Anthony’s death.
During detention hearings, prosecutors characterized the attack as a brutal and deliberate murder. They argued that the suspect had demonstrated planning and intent by traveling across the country before carrying out the killing.
Defense Challenges Prosecution’s Claims
Defense attorneys initially argued that evidence against Custodio-Aquino was insufficient and maintained that he was neither a danger to the public nor a flight risk.
However, prosecutors pointed to the physical evidence, vehicle evidence, and the suspect’s connection to Bartsch as proof that the killing was targeted and intentional.
Guilty Plea Brings Case Closer to Conclusion
In June 2026, the case reached a major turning point when Custodio-Aquino pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.
The guilty plea came more than a year after Anthony’s death and eliminated the need for a lengthy trial.
Prosecutors Detail Events After the Killing
Authorities revealed additional information after the plea.
According to prosecutors, following the murder Custodio-Aquino attempted to cover his tracks. Investigators said he wiped his phone and tried to sell his vehicle.
They also alleged that he monitored online news coverage about Anthony’s death and searched for information regarding the investigation and memorial services.
The guilty plea confirmed prosecutors’ long-held theory that the murder stemmed from jealousy related to Anthony’s relationship with Bartsch.
Sentencing and Lasting Impact
Under the plea agreement, Custodio-Aquino faces a lengthy prison sentence, with prosecutors indicating he would spend decades behind bars for the killing.
While the guilty plea brought a measure of closure to the legal proceedings, it could not erase the devastating impact of Anthony’s death on those who loved him.
Family Continues to Grieve
The image of Anthony’s teenage son discovering his father’s body remains one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the case.
Friends, family members, colleagues, and clients continue to remember Anthony not only as a talented veterinarian but also as a devoted father, partner, and friend whose life was cut short by an act of jealousy and violence.
His death left an enduring mark on the Cherry Hill community and the countless pet owners whose lives he touched throughout his career.
The case ultimately revealed how a long-standing personal grievance and jealousy could escalate into a carefully planned cross-country murder that devastated a family and forever changed the lives of those closest to Dr. Michael Anthony.
