A high-profile hospital CEO killed his wife and then set fire to their bedroom in a bizarre murder-suicide, according to a report released Friday by investigators in Somerset County, New Jersey, nearly six months after their deaths.
Firefighters found Cooper University Health System CEO John Sheridan Jr, 72, and his wife, Joyce, 69, in the burning master bedroom of their Montgomery Township, New Jersey home on Sept. 28.
The much revered CEO stabbed his wife multiple times in the face and once in the chest, perforating her aorta, which ultimately caused her death, according to the report.
He then doused the room with gasoline, trapping them inside, police said.
"Somebody's tapping on the window," said a neighbor in a chilling call to 911. "Somebody's trying to get out."
That somebody could very well have been Sheridan's wife of 47 years.
Initially, it was reported that Joyce Sheridan was alive when she was found by firefighters inside the couple's bedroom, but following the six month-long investigation, it was determined that the retired schoolteacher was dead before her husband set fire to the room.
John Sheridan was pronounced dead at the scene by fire officials. He died of "sharp force injuries" and smoke inhalation, said investigators. Two knives were found in the master bedroom.
Sheridan joined Cooper in 2005 and is credited with helping transform the health care system, including adding a cancer center and medical school. Mrs. Sheridan was a teacher at South Brunswick High School who had a passion for helping students in need.
"The death of our parents has left a hole in our hearts and family that can never be filled," the family said in a statement following the deaths.
Photo Credit: Courier-Post Online
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