Mark J. Austin, 34, from Brick Township, New Jersey, orchestrated the 2019 murder-for-hire killing of his father, Mark Richard Austin, 55, who was beaten to death with a baseball bat in his Acorn Drive home.​
Case Timeline
The murder occurred on September 7, 2019, with Austin enlisting Jeray Melton, a former cellmate from juvenile detention, for $50,000—though he paid only partial sums including marijuana. Austin was convicted on October 2, 2025, of murder and unlawful weapon possession after a five-week trial, leading to his life sentence without parole on January 8, 2026, by Judge Guy P. Ryan.​
Key Evidence
Prosecutors used GPS data from both phones showing travel post-murder along Route 70, plus Austin’s text to his already-deceased father about cheesesteaks from Geno’s in Philadelphia, sent while the father’s phone was nearby. Melton testified as the star witness, admitting the killing despite initially lying to investigators, and detailed cleanup efforts like bleaching clothes.​
Motive and Alibi Failure
Austin sought revenge over money owed and alleged childhood abuse, per Melton’s testimony, rejecting the defense claim that Melton acted alone for drugs found at the scene. His cheesesteak alibi collapsed due to the post-mortem timing and location data, while he proclaimed innocence at sentencing, citing his Eagle Scout background.​
Co-Defendant Status
Melton pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in 2020, facing 10-30 years, with sentencing pending as of early 2026; both remained jailed since September 13, 2019. Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer emphasized the crime’s “calculated and merciless” nature, ensuring permanent accountability.​
