Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Livingston Police Chief Craig M. Handschuch announced today that the Livingston Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force are investigating a homicide.
Authorities said at approximately 7 pm, Douglas Castellano, 69, of Livingston was found dead inside his Carteret Road home.
Police discovered his body after family members indicated they had been unable to reach Castellano.
Following an autopsy today it has been determine that he was a victim of a homicide.
The cause of death is blunt force trauma.
Authorities said Harry Christianson, Jr., 31, a boarder living in the house with Castellano, has been charged with murder, hindering, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
These are accusations.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation is active and ongoing.