PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has learned from confirmed sources that a Parsippany Police Officer committed suicide this evening near Entin Drive and Sylvan Way.
Out of respect of the family and the Parsippany Police Department additional details will not be published until a press release is issued from the Parsippany Police Department.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 28, 2011, in the middle of Memorial Day Weekend, Chafic “Steve” Ezzeddine was found murdered inside of his place of business, the Kenvil Diner, located on Route 46 in the Kenvil section of Roxbury Township, New Jersey.
In the past four years since the murder of Steve Ezzeddine, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Roxbury Township Police Department have continued to actively investigate this crime and search for the identity of the person(s) involved.
In additional to the crime itself, it is also important to recall the story that exists behind the innocent life that was taken that day in 2011.
Steve was a simple, hard-working family man, and a family patriarch, who left a rich and fulfilling life in Lebanon over 40 years ago, to come to the United States to be with the woman he loved – his wife, Amal. One of six children, Steve completed university in Lebanon and was enjoying the beginnings of a promising career with Middle East Airlines when he met Amal in 1970. Due to religious differences, Amal and Steve’s relationship was forbidden by society and frowned upon by their family and friends. As they secretly continued their relationship, Steve made a courageous decision to move to the United States in hopes of someday being able to marry the woman he loved. Before leaving, he told Amal that someday he would send for her to come join him in the United States.
Steve departed Lebanon in 1971, leaving behind his family, friends, and successful job to start a life in America. He located to New Jersey, where he worked at a diner and enrolled in a Master’s program to continue to build on his education. After more than a year of long days, hard work, and weekly letters to Amal, Steve finally sent for her to join him in the United States. Although the decision was not supported by family, Amal left Lebanon in 1972.
In the beginning, the two struggled, living in a motel room as Steve continued long days of work and school. Amal, not having many friends or family in New Jersey, and not knowing the English language, spent much of her time isolated in the motel room. Despite this hardship, the two married in October 1972. There began a union marked by the struggle to not only earn a living, but to also assimilate into a new society, start a family, make new friends, and ultimately become productive members of the community they came to call home. They dealt with the scrutiny of the family they left behind in Lebanon, knowing that their decision to leave their country to be together was brave, but not accepted. At the time, they knew in their hearts and minds that this was the only way they could be together.
Steve and Amal started a family, eventually having three (3) sons. In 1983, after many years of hard work, the couple purchased the business that became the Kenvil Diner. For years, Steve worked tirelessly at the diner to provide for his family, consistently working 16 hour days, 7 days a week, up until the day of his murder. Amal was there throughout it all, working countless hours in the diner alongside the love of her life. Together they raised three (3) hard working, successful young men, who struggle daily with the loss of their father. It is through his memory and inspiration that they strive to live as honorable a life as he did.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Roxbury Township Police Department continue to pursue leads in this investigation and have worked with numerous other law enforcement agencies during the course of this investigation, to include the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, New Jersey State Police, New York City Police Department, New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Secret Service.
The Ezzeddine family has raised the reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for the murder of their patriarch. Coupled with the Morris County CrimeStoppers reward money, the total reward is now $25,000. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is not involved in any aspect of the reward being offered.
A website has been developed by the Ezzeddine family (www.kenvildiner.com) as a tribute to their loved one.
Law enforcement asks that anyone with information in regards to this investigation please contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200 or www.morrisprosecutor.org, the Roxbury Police Department at (973) 448-2090, or Crimestoppers at 973-COP-CALL, www.morriscrimestoppers.org.
Persons reporting information may remain anonymous.
PARSIPPANY — In the coming weekends, the Women’s Theater Company at the Parsippany Playhouse presents “Always Patsy Cline.” Starring Patricia Durante as Cline and Barbara Babbitt as Cline’s most avid fan Louise, the play unveils the true story of the celebrity and fan who become deep friends. Their story progresses through the narration of Louise and the music of Patsy.
Durante is the absolute embodiment of Cline, a shy and talented rising country star. An extraordinary performer, Durante brings the songs to life with pitch-perfect perfection and much heart. With each song, you can feel the joy and the heartache of Cline’s life.
As fan Louise, Babbitt engages the audience as she relates her journey with Patsy Cline. Long before meeting Cline, Louise falls in love with the music. Cline’s voice on the Arthur Godfrey show draws Louise out of her kitchen and to the television. It was love at first hearing. When Louise learns that Cline will be appearing in Houston, Louise makes sure she has a place in the honky-tonk. This leads to a chance meeting that further leads to a lasting friendship.
Babbitt’s enthusiasm is infectious, and the audience becomes as excited as she is to know Cline. As Louise, Babbitt brings a down-home humanity to her character which brings a delicate balance to an over-the-top fan and true friend.
In her directorial debut, Grayce Coviello has staged a vibrant production. Even in the midst of poignant moments, Coviello has a touch of humor and lightness. For those who know the story of Patsy Cline, it might have been easier to play to emotion. Coviello takes a subtler, more satisfying approach that brings a wonderful texture to the characters.
Throughout “Always Patsy Cline,” a talented trio of musicians acts as the singer’s stage band while brilliantly punctuating the narrative. Under the tutelage of Regan Ryzuk, the band plays in character to complete the setting’s nostalgic look of 1950s and 1960s Texas.
“Always Patsy Cline” is a lively, touching and uplifting production. A must see!
The show runs May 29, 30, 31 and June 5, 6 and 7.
The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.
To purchase tickets online click here or call (973) 316-3033.
PARSIPPANY — Jose Arango, Chair of the New Jersey Republican Chairman’s Association, and Hudson County Republican Chairman, announced their solidarity with fellow Republican Chairman John Sette of Morris County, and condemned the recent activity of Democrat-funded shadow organizations in the upcoming Freeholder Republican Primary.
As reported in NJ.com, the article titled “As outside money pours into Morris primary, GOP leaders pick side,” (click here to read article) stated “the number of Democrat interests and shadow political groups that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising …”
“I am appalled that our great community of Parsippany was not included since we were the first to expose the Democratic interests invading our Republican Primary. For months Parsippany’s Republican Council campaign has been disrupted by the number of Democrat Interests that are skirting campaign finance laws to evade having to disclose who is funding waves of advertising support on behalf of Mike dePierro, Vinny Ferrara, and Loretta Gragnani. Serious questions are raised about their commitment to our Republican principles. Combine that with mailers, phone calls, and paid out-of-town walkers funded with dark money-where we have no idea who is funding them. It’s skirting the spirit of our play-to-pay ethics laws and transparent government” said Robert Peluso, Republican Municipal Committee person.
Dr. Louis Valori, fellow Parsippany Republican Municipal Committee Member, further added “Our County Republican Chairman John Sette has turned a blind eye to this matter for months and did not take action until yesterday in Morris County, but failed to take the same action in Parsippany. Mr. Sette must be consistent with his message and immediately denounce the Democratic efforts working in Parsippany for dePierro and his running mates by endorsing the candidates who were FIRST targeted by these Democratic influences, Parsippany Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. and council candidates Aida Visakay and John Beehler.”
The Republican Primary election is next Tuesday, June 2.
FLORHAM PARK — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Florham Park Borough Chief of Police Patrick P. Montuore announce that LePolian McConnell, 34, former employee of Kushner Company in Florham Park, has been charged with Second Degree Theft by Deception; Second Degree Attempted Theft by Deception; Second Degree Computer Theft; Second Degree Conspiracy and Third Degree forgery.
Pursuant to an investigation conducted by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Leah Atterbury along with Florham Park Police Department Sergeant Christopher M. D’Ambola and Detective Sergeant Joseph Orlando, defendant, a staff accountant for Kushner Company, allegedly issued a Kushner Company check in the amount of $125,000 made payable to a construction vendor that he knew was unauthorized to receive payments. The check was allegedly forged with signatures appearing to be that of the Chief Financial Officer and the Controller of Kushner Company. The check was subsequently cashed at Jersey City Check Cashing in Jersey City.
The State is represented by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Francine Ehrenberg.
Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Florham Park Police Department, Kushner Company and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, whose efforts contributed to this result.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officers responded to wooded area located near South Beverwyck Road and Troy Meadow Road for a report of shots fired, on Wednesday, May 20 at 8:18 p.m.
Upon their arrival, a complainant advised the officers that he was on a nature walk and observed two young men shooting a revolver-style handgun in the woods.
The officers conducted area check and located a vehicle in a clearing within the woods. They encountered two young males who were later identified as Mr. Thomas McMaster, 18, Parsippany and Mr. Ramzi Musbeh, 18, Parsippany.
After an investigation into the shots fired call, the officers retrieved a paintball gun which the men were allegedly firing.
In addition, several items of drug paraphernalia were confiscated, to include glass bong water-pipes, as well as suspected marijuana.
The men were placed under arrest and transported to Police Headquarters where Mr. Musbeh was issued a summons for Discharging/Use of a Firearm. Mr. McMaster was issued summonses for Discharging/Use of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana, 50 grams or less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Both men were released from Headquarters pending court dates.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer Damon Farms responded to the off-ramp to Waterview Boulevard on Route 46 for a reported single-car motor vehicle crash at 10:44 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
Upon his arrival, Officer Farms observed a 2014 black VW Jetta resting in the tree-line, off the roadway.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Farms located the driver in the vehicle.
After a brief investigation, Officer Farms placed the driver, Mr. John Simpson, 66, Highland Lakes under arrest for suspicion of DWI.
Mr. Simpson was transported to Police Headquarters for processing where he also received medical attention by Car 65 Ambulance personnel for a minor injury. He was issued summonses for DWI, Open Container in Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Mr. Simpson was released to an acquaintance, pending a court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer E. Elston was traveling North on North Beverwyck Road when a 1998 Silver Honda Accord nearly struck his marked Patrol vehicle as the Honda travelled south on North Beverwyck Road partially across the double yellow lines around a curve, on Saturday, May 23 at 2:10 a.m.,
Officer Elston conducted a motor vehicle stop upon the Honda and after a brief investigation, placed the female driver, Ms. Sarah Aubel, 21, Parsippany, under arrest for suspicion of DWI.
Ms. Aubel was transported to Police Headquarters and processed.
She was issued summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane, Reckless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated. Ms. Aubel was released to a family member, pending her court appearance.
Editors Note: A complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.
Contact us: news@parsippanyfocus.com
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