Boonton Township, New Jersey – A Morris County jury has found a New Jersey man guilty of murdering his father in a violent Christmas Eve attack that prosecutors described as sudden, unprovoked, and driven by deep-seated hatred. The conviction brings a close to a case that stunned a quiet suburban community and left a family grieving a devastating loss during the holiday season.
Christmas Eve Violence Inside Family Home
On December 24, 2023, Gregory Meyer, 61, was killed inside his home on Old Denville Road in Boonton Township, a small suburban community in northern New Jersey. Authorities say Gregory was attacked in the basement of the residence by his son, Kyle Meyer, 35, using a battery-powered pole saw and an ax.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing the attack caused catastrophic injuries to Gregory’s head, hands, and left leg, ultimately leading to his death from severe blood loss. The medical examiner later ruled the cause of death as exsanguination due to multiple injuries.
Emergency responders arrived at the home around 1:15 p.m. after receiving a distress call, but Gregory Meyer was already deceased.
Graphic Crime Scene Details Presented to Jury
Investigators described an extensive and disturbing blood trail throughout the home. According to a probable cause affidavit, large amounts of blood were found in the basement, with additional blood leading up the basement stairs and into a bedroom inside the house.
Law enforcement officials quickly identified Gregory Meyer’s son as the primary suspect. Kyle Meyer was located and taken into custody by 9 p.m. that same evening in Paterson, approximately 20 miles east of Boonton Township.
At the time of his arrest, officers reported that Kyle Meyer appeared to be in normal physical condition with no visible injuries. He declined to give a statement to police.
Prosecutors Describe a Sudden, Unprovoked Attack
During the seven-day trial, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang told jurors that the attack occurred without warning and was not preceded by any argument or confrontation. According to the prosecution, the defendant launched the assault suddenly while both men were inside the basement.
In opening statements, Wang described hearing testimony about Gregory Meyer’s final moments, including what she referred to as “unintelligible screams” that echoed through the otherwise peaceful home.
She alleged that the defendant acted out of “animus” and “true hatred”, not self-defense or provocation. Prosecutors physically displayed both the pole saw and ax used in the killing to the jury, emphasizing the severity and intentional nature of the attack.
Defense Challenges Evidence, Cites Lack of Eyewitnesses
Defense attorney Joseph Corazza argued that the state’s case relied heavily on circumstantial and forensic evidence rather than direct eyewitness testimony. He urged jurors to question the conclusions drawn by prosecutors and to focus strictly on proof presented during trial.
According to the defense, the absence of eyewitnesses should have raised reasonable doubt. However, prosecutors countered that the physical evidence, timeline, and forensic findings clearly pointed to Kyle Meyer as the perpetrator.
After deliberation, the jury found the defendant guilty on all counts.
Conviction and Charges Explained
Kyle Meyer was convicted of:
- First-degree murder
- Third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon
Under New Jersey law, a first-degree murder conviction carries a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison. Meyer is scheduled to be formally sentenced on February 6, 2026.
Family Remembers Victim, Speaks on Mental Health Struggles
Following Gregory Meyer’s death, a GoFundMe campaign organized by his brother described him as a man who brought music, laughter, and love to those around him. The fundraiser acknowledged the family’s grief while also noting that the defendant struggled with mental illness, alcoholism, and substance abuse.
The campaign emphasized the complexity of the tragedy, highlighting both the loss of Gregory Meyer and the personal struggles faced by his son.
A Case That Shook a Quiet Community
The killing deeply unsettled Boonton Township, a town unaccustomed to such extreme violence. Residents described the area as peaceful and close-knit, making the crime particularly shocking given its timing on Christmas Eve.
Local officials have not indicated whether additional civil actions may follow, but the criminal case itself has now reached its conclusion with the jury’s verdict.
Looking Ahead
As Kyle Meyer awaits sentencing, the case stands as a grim reminder of how untreated mental health and substance abuse issues can intersect with family conflict in devastating ways. The Meyer family continues to mourn the loss of Gregory while preparing for the next stage of legal proceedings.
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