CAMDEN – An extensive search continues for a missing and endangered man who has now been charged in a Dec. 23 homicide in Pine Hill, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Pine Hill Police Chief Christopher Winters. Shawn Massey, 38, of Gibbsboro, has been charged with one count of first-degree Murder in the homicide of Joseph Bottino, 54, of Gloucester Township.
Police were called to the 100 block of Watsontown-New Freedom Rd. around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 after Bottino was found dead with visible traumatic injuries. Bottino was known to hunt in that area and had done so many times before, according to family members. A medical examiner determined Bottino died of multiple stab and incise wounds as well as blunt force injuries.
Evidence collected at the crime scene led detectives to believe that Massey was the perpetrator. When detectives went to speak to Massey in the days after the murder, his family members reported him missing and said they had not heard from him since Dec. 23. Following a thorough investigation, Massey was formally charged in the case on Jan. 16.
“We understand many people are concerned that an arrest has not been made. Since the crime, there has been an increased law enforcement presence in that area and we have conducted multiple, coordinated searches in an effort to locate Massey,” said Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer. “We have also received dozens of tips on possible sightings and whereabouts of Massey and are following up and taking each and every one very seriously. We have detectives working at all hours on this case and we will continue to do so until Massey is located.”
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call CCPO Det. Jeremy Jankowski at 856-397-3485 or Pine Hill Police Sgt. John Field at 856-783-1589. Tips can also be emailed to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org. All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.