South Jersey man charged with first-degree murder in strangling of 40-year-old daughter
Dennis J. Hall, 71, of Franklin Township, is accused of killing Devin Hall in June.
A 71-year-old South Jersey man was indicted Wednesday on a first-degree murder charge for allegedly strangling his 40-year-old daughter in June, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Dennis J. Hall, of Franklin Township, faces a maximum of life in prison if he is convicted.
On June 11 around 6:15 a.m., Franklin Township police responded to a home of East Avenue after Hall allegedly called 911 to report that his daughter, Devin Hall, was not breathing and that he had strangled her, the prosecutor’s office said.
Dennis Hall was arrested at the scene. A public defender representing Hall could not be reached for comment.
Police attempted life-saving measures on the 40-year-old woman, who was then transported to a hospital. She was removed from life support the next day and pronounced dead.
The Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland Regional Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy and determined that cause of death was asphyxiation, and the manner of death was homicide.
Devin Hall’s online obituary described her as “a special daughter who endured many challenges and struggles during her life on this earth. She was an inspiration to others, and she touched many with her beauty, gentle kindness, and innocent presence.”
The obituary said she had traveled to 32 states and loved music, especially Toby Keith. Besides many family members, Devin Hall left behind one dog and four cats, the obituary said.
Her mother, Jan Hall, told 6abc that she was born with multiple disabilities, used a wheelchair, and did not speak.
Jan Hall said Dennis Hall, her husband, awakened her and allegedly said he had strangled their daughter.
In June, the prosecutor’s office said that a witness, who was not identified, was awakened by Dennis Hall and told the witness that he had strangled his daughter.
