Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Veterinarian’s 2024 Murder in Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill, N.J. — An Oregon man is potentially facing three decades behind bars in connection with the 2024 murder of a veterinarian in Cherry Hill.

Guilty Plea in Cherry Hill Veterinarian Murder Case

On Tuesday, 28-year-old Cristian Custodio-Aquino of Portland, OR, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder in reference to the death of 45-year-old Dr. Michael Anthony, owner of Haddon Vet, a practice based in Haddon Heights.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, he is expected to be sentenced to 30 years in state prison without the possibility of parole.

According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, on the morning of December 10th, 2024, Cherry Hill police officers responded to the 100 block of Sharrowvale Road, where they located an unconscious man, later identified as Anthony. He had sustained multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation Led to DNA Evidence, Arrest in California

Near Anthony's body, detectives located a pair of eyeglasses with frames that bore a unique model number and lenses that reacted to light. Those glasses were sent for analysis, and Custodio-Aquino was later identified as the source of the DNA from the eyeglasses.

Custodio-Aquino was charged on February 7th, 2025. He was taken into custody four days later in Fresno, CA.

His Nissan Altima was located on scene and towed to a secure facility. During a search of that vehicle, detectives collected swabs of suspected blood from inside. The swabs were later sent for DNA analysis, and Anthony was identified as the source of the DNA from the blood inside the vehicle.

• 2024 Reporting from WTXF-TV

Prosecutor Comments

Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay said in a statement, "This guilty plea represents a significant step toward justice and ensures the defendant will be held accountable for his actions. While no outcome can undo the profound loss suffered by Dr. Anthony’s family and loved ones, we hope it provides a measure of closure as we remember Dr. Anthony’s lasting legacy of compassion and dedicated service to the communities he faithfully served."

Sentencing is scheduled for July 9th.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com