Cherry Hill man, hurt in Westmont bar dispute, dies

The Camden County Prosecutor's Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a Cherry Hill man who suffered a fatal head injury when he was pushed and fell at a popular tavern in Westmont.

The victim, identified as Caesar Bonafacio, 65, died Saturday afternoon at Cooper University Hospital, three days after he was hurt.

Prosecutor Warren Faulk and Haddon Township Police Chief Mark Cavallo said in a joint statement that Joseph Nicosia, 27, of Haddonfield pushed Bonafacio about 6:10 p.m. Wednesday at P.J. Whelihan's on Haddon Avenue in Westmont. Why Nicosia allegedly pushed Bonafacio has not been disclosed.

Dr. Gerald Feigin, Camden County's medical examiner, ruled Bonafacio's death a homicide yesterday.

Nicosia, who was released on bail on aggravated assault charges after the initial incident, now faces possible homicide charges.

Bonafacio was married and had two sons and two grandchildren. According to his family, he was an accountant and a Defense Department auditor.