Holiday Family Fight Led to Hammonton Bagel Shop Owner’s Death

The brother-in-law of a Hammonton bagel shop owner has been charged with causing his death in a Christmas Day assault, which resulted in his death two days later.

John E. Meyers, 69, of Port St. Lucie, FL, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of Frank Vincent Vitrano Jr., 72, of Buena.

Vitrano was the owner of Bellevue Bagel in Hammonton. He is survived by his wife, children, and family.

Christmas Day Argument Turned Deadly

Court documents say that Meyers struck Vitrano in the head during a dispute at a home on the 100 block of Wright Avenue in Stratford on Christmas.

Vitrano went to Cooper University Hospital the next day and died of his injuries on Dec. 27th.

An autopsy determined he died by blunt force trauma.

Meyers was charged with manslaughter on Dec. 28 and taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia on Dec. 29.

Meyers admitted to the assault while he and another person spoke at a home in Pine Hill the following day, police say.

Argument Tied to a Family Fight

NJ.com reports that the affidavit of probable cause states that witnesses told police that the backyard argument on Christmas between the men started with an incident over the summer when Vitrano allegedly slapped Meyers’ wife.