MAYS LANDING – A 38-year-old Philadelphia man is charged with murder in the death of his younger brother that occurred on Tuesday at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
According to police, on Tuesday at approximately 3:10 p.m., Harrah’s Hotel security was contacted in reference to a medical emergency in a room on the 11th floor of the Harrah’s Hotel.
The victim, identified as 32-year-old Joseph Villante, of Philadelphia, PA, was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division where he was pronounced deceased.
Atlantic City Police responded and notified the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and a cooperative investigation commenced according to police.
An autopsy was completed by the Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office and the cause of death was ruled to be multiple injuries, including blunt force injuries of the head.
The manner of death was determined to be homicide according to authorities.
Police say the investigation led to the arrest of Joseph Villante’s brother, Mr. John A. Villante and he was arrested on Thursday without incident in Philadelphia, PA, with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Homicide Fugitive Squad and the Philadelphia Highway Patrol.
He is lodged in with the Philadelphia Prison system, pending extradition proceedings.
Assistant Prosecutor Rick McKelvey represents the state in this matter.