Friday, October 23, 2009

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Chief of Investigations William Schievella and Chatham Borough Chief of Police John Drake, announce the investigation into the homicide death of a 61 year old Roman Catholic Pastor, Father Edward Hinds, in Chatham Borough. The investigation is ongoing at this hour and includes the following agencies: Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff's Office/Criminal Investigation Section, Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team, Morris County Park Police, and both Chatham Borough and Chatham Township Police Departments.

At approximately 8:03 AM, a 911 call was received by the Chatham Borough Police Department from a St. Patrick's Church employee reporting the discovery of Father Hind's body in the rectory of the Church after he failed to arrive for mass at 8:00 AM.

The church is located at 85 Washington Avenue and is also home to St. Patrick's School. Upon arrival, officials worked with school administrators to initiate an incident alert to notify parents of the procedures established to reconnect them with their children in a safe and orderly manner. The school, which has roughly 412 students, had approximately 80 students off campus on a scheduled field-trip.

Prosecutor Robert Bianchi, Esq., joined by Chief of Investigations William Schievella, Chatham Borough Chief of Police John Drake and Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of the Diocese of Paterson met with members of the media to express their deepest sympathy to parishioners as well as to the community

Prosecutor Bianchi stated, "Currently, authorities are seeking any information regarding this incident. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200, the Chatham Borough Police Department at 973-635-8000, or the Morris County Sheriff's Crimestopper Program at 973-267-2255."