Woman used tape dispenser, shower rod in murder of housemate, NJ prosecutors say

A 56-year-old New Jersey woman is accused of using household items in the murder of a man she lived with, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Mary Carbone was determined to be the “individual responsible” for the Feb. 24 murder of Frank Stochel, the prosecutor’s office said Wednesday night. Stochel’s “lifeless body” was found by Manchester Township Police on the floor of their residence, according to the prosecutor.

Investigation into the death showed “several household items” were involved in the alleged murder, according to the prosecutor.

“A tape dispenser and a shower rod were recovered from the scene,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a statement. “The injuries sustained by Mr. Stochel were consistent with the implementation of these items.”

Police did not say how the items resulted in Stochel’s death. A motive was not disclosed.

Carbone has been charged with murder in connection to Stochel’s death, as well as two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to the prosecutor’s office.

“These detectives combed through a ton of forensic evidence to ultimately determine that Ms Carbone did in fact cause Mr. Stochel’s death,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “We were able to determine very early on in this investigation that there was no immediate danger to the public.”

The home where the body was found is owned by Frank and Cindy Stochel, his wife, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Stochel was a longtime custodian at Manchester High School in New Jersey, according to an obituary. His funeral visitation will be held Monday at Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services in Toms River.