Arrest Made in Shocking Murder of Beloved Cherry Hill Veterinarian

In a significant breakthrough, authorities have arrested 27-year-old Cristian Custodio-Aquino from Portland, Oregon, in connection with the brutal stabbing death of Dr. Michael Anthony, a cherished veterinarian from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Dr. Anthony, 45, was found with multiple stab wounds outside his Sharrowvalle Road residence on December 10, 2024. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office reports that Custodio-Aquino, an acquaintance of Dr. Anthony, was apprehended on February 11, 2025, in Fresno, California, by the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. He faces first-degree murder charges and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey. Investigators linked Custodio-Aquino to the crime through prescription glasses found at the scene, which were traced back to a purchase he made in Washington State. Additionally, surveillance footage captured a black sedan, matching Custodio-Aquino's vehicle, near the crime scene shortly after the incident. The vehicle was subsequently tracked across multiple states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, and Texas, before his arrest in California.

Dr. Anthony was the owner of Haddon Vet in Haddon Heights, where he was celebrated for his compassionate care and dedication to animal welfare. His untimely death has left a profound void in the community. Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleisher expressed relief over the arrest, stating, "Our community continues to mourn the loss of Dr. Anthony, and I am pleased that a suspect in his death is in custody."

As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the crime. They encourage anyone with additional information to contact Detective Daniel Crawford of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office or Detective Frank Kirsch of the Cherry Hill Police Department.

This arrest marks a significant development in a case that has deeply affected the Cherry Hill community, as residents seek justice for a man who dedicated his life to the care and well-being of animals.