HACKENSACK — Patrick J. Camilli, 59, of Washington Township, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2021 murder of his longtime girlfriend, Mary E. Huber, 51. The sentence, delivered on Dec. 6 in Bergen County Superior Court by Judge James X. Sattely, mandates that Camilli serve a minimum of 30 years before being eligible for parole.
Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the sentencing, and thanked investigators, in a press statement just after 11 a.m. on Dec. 11.
On Oct. 24, 2021, at approximately 12:05 a.m., Washington Township police responded to a 911 call at 41 Lexington Court. Officers found Camilli lying atop Huber, with a knife nearby. Huber had sustained multiple stab wounds and bruises and was transported to Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, where she was pronounced dead. Camilli, suffering from self-inflicted stab wounds, was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment.
An autopsy by the Bergen County Medical Examiner revealed Huber suffered at least 29 sharp-force injuries and 20 blunt-force injuries.
The trial commenced this September and lasted four weeks. On Oct. 7, a jury convicted Camilli of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The prosecution was led by Assistant Prosecutors Yomara Castro and Craig A. Becker, with support from Sgt. Anthony Primiano and Detective Jeff Hansen of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. Victim Advocate Susan Tanis also assisted.
During the trial, the defense presented forensic psychologist Dr. Erica Schiffman, who diagnosed Camilli with bipolar disorder and testified that he experienced a “depersonalization” episode during the crime, rendering him unable to control his actions. However, the prosecution’s expert, Dr. Steven Simring, countered that such symptoms are common in high-stress situations and did not diagnose Camilli with any psychiatric disorders.
At sentencing, Musella commended his team for their dedication and professionalism, stating, “This life sentence brings justice for Mary E. Huber, her family, and friends.” He also acknowledged the efforts of the Washington Township and Westwood police departments, as well as the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, in the investigation.