CAMDEN, N.J. — A 28-year-old Oregon man has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison after pleading guilty to the murder of veterinarian Michael Anthony outside his Cherry Hill home. The sentencing marks a tragic conclusion to a deeply emotional case that has left family and friends grappling with the loss of a beloved father, brother, partner, and respected professional.
Cristian Custodio-Aquino’s sentencing took place on July 9, in Camden County Superior Court, following the plea agreement he entered in June. Under the terms of the deal, he will not be eligible for parole until at least 2055. The brutal incident occurred on December 10, 2024, when Anthony, 45, was fatally attacked in his front yard, which devastated a community that knew him as a compassionate veterinarian dedicated to his patients and their owners.
During the hearing, Anthony’s family members offered poignant testimonies, recounting how his untimely death robbed them of cherished moments and milestones. His sister Patricia spoke directly to Custodio-Aquino, expressing the deep void left in their lives. She emphasized that her brother should be remembered for his kindness and generosity rather than the violent nature of his death. Other relatives took turns sharing memories of celebrations and everyday moments that can never be replicated.
Henry Anthony, Michael’s teenage son, spoke with raw emotion, addressing his father’s killer directly. He characterized the pain of losing a father who would not be there for significant life events, such as college graduations. This personal account shifted the court’s focus from the legal proceedings to the profound emotional toll on the family, illustrating the far-reaching impact of violence.
Custodio-Aquino offered a brief statement of remorse, acknowledging the pain inflicted on Anthony’s family. His attorneys had previously engaged in discussions about the case’s merits during initial hearings but did not present an extensive argument at sentencing. Judge Judith Charny accepted the plea agreement without extending the proceedings to a trial, which would have involved public testimonies.
The events leading up to the murder began on a December morning when Cherry Hill police responded to reports of a man unconscious on a lawn. Upon arrival, they found Anthony with multiple stab wounds. Investigators determined that Custodio-Aquino had traveled from Oregon to Cherry Hill, allegedly motivated by a prior relationship with Anthony’s partner. Although the specifics of this relationship were not fully explored in court, the implications of their connection loomed large in the case.
Physical evidence played a crucial role in linking Custodio-Aquino to the crime. Investigators connected DNA found on prescription glasses at the scene to him, and a series of surveillance recordings placed his vehicle in the area around the time of the murder. Following a nationwide search, authorities arrested Custodio-Aquino in California, where they discovered unsettling digital evidence that suggested he attempted to erase traces of his involvement.
Anthony’s murder resonated beyond his immediate family, impacting the veterinary community he served in Haddon Heights. Known for his patience with both animals and their anxious owners, Anthony’s compassion extended beyond the clinic walls. His legacy is preserved in the hearts of his sons, his partner Kyle Bartsch, and the clients who cherished his care.
As the sentencing drew to a close, Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay stated that despite the legal resolution, the unmeasurable loss endured by Anthony’s family would remain. She expressed hope that holding Custodio-Aquino accountable could provide some solace and affirm Anthony’s lasting contributions to his family and community.
Custodio-Aquino is now set to serve his time in state custody, yet the consequences of his actions extend far beyond the prison walls, leaving a family to mourn and a community to remember a man who brought joy and kindness to those around him.