Do you know who murdered Patrick O'Neill? On a fall afternoon in Deptford Township, New Jersey, 17-year-old Patrick O'Neill was tragically killed in an act of violence that has remained a mystery for decades. A senior at Deptford High School, he was described as a promising and ambitious young man.
On October 30, 1975, O'Neill returned to his family's home on Almonesson Road after a half-day at his construction job, part of a cooperative education program. Investigators believe that upon his arrival, he may have interrupted a burglary in progress. The home had been the target of break-ins previously. It is thought that O'Neill entered the house through a back door and was confronted by the intruder, or possibly multiple intruders, in the kitchen. He was shot multiple times in the head at close range.
His body was discovered approximately 40 minutes later by a friend who had stopped by to return an eight-track tape. The friend found O'Neill lying on the kitchen floor.
Investigators found a television that had been taken from the house in the backyard.
Despite the passage of years, the case of Patrick O'Neill's murder remains unsolved, and no arrests have ever been made. It is one of Gloucester County's 19 unsolved homicides. Over the years, law enforcement has revisited the case, and in 2010, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office announced they had uncovered new information and were actively pursuing new leads, aided by advancements in investigative technology. At that time, detectives were reported to have 'people of interest' and were conducting new interviews.
The O'Neill family, particularly his brother Michael, has never given up hope for justice. He has utilized social media to appeal to the public for any information that might lead to a breakthrough in the case. A significant reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Patrick's death. The family continues to have faith that those responsible will one day be identified and held accountable for the crime.
