Trenton Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Girlfriend

A 52-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced today to mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to first-degree murder and related charges in the fatal domestic violence shooting of his girlfriend at a Bensalem hotel.

Orenthia Upshur, of Trenton, N.J., entered the guilty plea in Bucks County Court for the Jan. 15, 2025, murder of 49-year-old Maisha Coon, also of Trenton. Following the plea, Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. immediately imposed the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

Court testimony indicated that the two had been in a relationship spanning three decades and had gone to the hotel to address ongoing relationship issues before the encounter turned fatal, another tragic reminder of the lethal nature of domestic violence.

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Local Trick or Treat Hours

Below are Trick or Treat hours for surrounding area.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween! 🎃

Keep these safety tips in mind while trick-or-treating! Children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult, use sidewalks and crosswalks, carry flashlights or glow sticks, and wear reflective clothing so motorists can see them. Never enter a stranger’s home or car, and always inspect candy before eating it. Drivers are urged to slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for children on the streets.

Let’s work together to make Halloween fun, safe, and enjoyable for everyone! 👻

Sharon A. Samchuck, 74, of Atco

Sharon A. Samchuck, of Atco, Age 74, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, at Virtua Hospital – Voorhees in the loving care of Oaks Integrated Care. Born on October 31, 1951, at Warren Air Force Base in Laramie, Wyoming to the late Raymond Samchuk & Pearl Letta Samchuk (nee Jensen).

Sharon Samchuk was a bright, loving woman with a quick wit and playful sarcasm. She loved her Barbies, drawing, horses and other animals, dressing up, getting her hair done and attending day program. She was cherished by Nina, Paula, Marva, Nikita, Katrina, Katrea, Aniya, Candacea, Dominique, NaShawn, Siniya, Shaila, Tia and Tiffany; Donna and the staff & consumer at Pat LeBon. Pink also held a special place in her heart for Ms. Samchuk. Sharon’s spirit and loving heart will be deeply missed.

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Sherrill Announces GSPT Approval of $88 Million

The Sherrill Administration today announced the Garden State Preservation Trust’s (GSPT) approval of more than $88 million for projects across the state that will preserve open space to protect critical water supplies, connect habitats, and expand access to open spaces, fund capital improvements for New Jersey’s state parks, forests, historic sites, and wildlife management areas, and advance flood protections through the voluntary Blue Acres program.

The funding, which comes from the constitutional dedication of Corporation Business Tax revenue, will enhance the quality of life for residents across New Jersey, especially in many overburdened communities. The Garden State Preservation Trust approved the Department of Environmental Protection-recommended funding package at its meeting on Oct. 21. The package now advances to the Legislature for formal appropriations. For details, visit dep.nj.gov/greenacres/gspt-fy2027/

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HOME COUNTRY: It happened in the checkout lane…

It happened in the checkout lane down at the Soup ‘R’ Market last week.

As sometimes happens, when we are glancing at the tabloids to see who fathered Bigfoot’s new baby, we get into discussions of trivia. Annette was sliding broccoli and corn flakes over the glass-window dinger machine, and we were just chatting about … I think it was bears this time. You know…

“I read,” said Annette, “that a bear can run 45 miles an hour, faster than a race horse.”

To which I added, “Did you know a polar bear’s skin is black, and a black bear’s skin is white?”

“Really?” Annette said, weighing the plastic bag of apples. “And did you know,” she said, “that horses can’t vomit?”

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Oaklyn Woman Killed in Fiery I-295 Crash; Passenger Airlifted

Cleary’s Notebook News

EAST GREENWICH TOWNSHIP, NJ — A 22-year-old Oaklyn woman was killed Wednesday evening when her vehicle left Interstate 295 and crashed into a tree before bursting into flames, according to New Jersey State Police.

Five people hurt in Friday night wreck in Long County - Coastal Courier

The single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. on the southbound side of I-295 near milepost 17.4 in East Greenwich Township. State Police said Aigner Johnson, 22, was driving a Ford sedan when she lost control of the vehicle; the cause remains under investigation.

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Come Together to Honor Our Veterans

Celebrate Their Service, Sacrifice and Commitment

The Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Veterans Advisory Committee, invites you to attend these special days set aside to honor our nation and its men and women who have served our nation. To learn more, Click Here.

Upcoming Events:
Women Veterans Wellness Retreat – Fri, Oct. 30th @ 9 AM – 1:30 PM
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Resource Fair – Sat, Nov. 7th @ 11 AM
Padre Peter Molnar Veteran Appreciation Breakfast – Wed, Nov. 11th @ 8 AM
Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration – Mon, Dec. 7th @ TBA

Fall Into Fun at the CCPD Fall Festival!

Pumpkins, Costumes, Candy & Family Fun

The Camden County Police Department invites you to celebrate the season at our Fall Festival at Children’s Garden on Saturday, October31st, from 3 PM to 6 PM! Best of all, this event is FREE! Head to 3 Riverside Drive, Camden and enjoy the festivities, celebrate the season and make wonderful memories, there will be free parking. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fall fun featuring: Pumpkin painting and a bounce house, costume contest for children ages 12 and under with prizes, candy, free food, and much more! To learn more, Click Here.

Detectives Investigating Fatal Shooting in Camden

Camden, NJ – Detectives are investigating a shooting last week that resulted in the death of a man in Camden, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.

On October 20, 2026, at approximately 9:47 a.m., officers from the Camden County Police Department responded to the 1200 block of Princess Avenue in Camden in reference to a person shot. Upon arrival, officers located a gunshot victim — identified as 29-year-old Jeshua Sammons of Pennsauken — lying on the sidewalk. The victim was transported to Cooper University Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased at approximately 11:18 a.m. on October 21, 2026.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jake Siegfried of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 225-5086 and Detective Anthony Sulpizi of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 923-4096. Tips may also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.

Joan A. Windston, 87, of Audubon

Joan A. Windston, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, at the age of 87, with her beloved friend and caregiver Carole at her side. Lifelong resident of Audubon, NJ.

Loving wife of the late Owen A. Windston. Cherished daughter of the late Paul and Emma Adus. Beloved “Mom Mom” of Ken & Carole Sturgis, Luke, Jake and Madison and their families. Joan will be missed by her surviving family and friends. Also predeceased by her beloved dog, Murphy.

Joan worked for many years as a bookkeeper for PSE&G in Audubon. She was a longtime member of Audubon United Methodist Church, where her faith was an important part of her life. She enjoyed reading her Bible and was a talented seamstress who also loved to crochet.

Relatives and friends are invited to her graveside service on Friday October 30, 2026 at 10 AM in Harleigh Cemetery (Linden section), Camden, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Joan with a donation to her longtime church, Audubon United Methodist Church, 314 W Graisbury Ave, Audubon, NJ 08106. Please write in memo, Joan A. Windston.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Joan A. Windston. Funeral arrangements and inquiries through McCann–Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City, at 856-456-1142.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.