Hitman denied parole

Len Jenoff, a confessed hitman in one of the most notorious murders in South Jersey history, has been denied parole by state officials.

Currently serving a 23-year prison sentence, Jenoff, 64, was turned down in his request for release in a ruling handed up on Tuesday by a two-member panel of the State Parole Board.

A former private investigator, Jenoff would have been eligible for parole on May 1. He was the star witness against Cherry Hill Rabbi Fred Neulander in two sensational trials, testifying that the rabbi hired him to murder his wife, Carol.

Carol Neulander who was found bludgeoned to death in her home in November 1994.

Neulander's first trial ended with a hung jury. In the second trial, he was convicted of first degree murder. He is currently serving a life sentence.

Jenoff, who has spent nearly 10 years in jail, recanted his testimony in a signed affidavit last year that Neulander's court-appointed attorney, Patrick Cronin, cited in a post-conviction relief motion.

In the affidavit, Jenoff said the murder occurred during a robbery and that the rabbi had no involvement.