A Mt. Laurel Man is Charged with Murdering His Mother

A Mount Laurel man now faces murder charges following the death of his mother.

66-year-old Shirley Gacutan died on Thursday, November 13th, from injuries she allegedly sustained during a domestic violence incident in her home by her son 46-year-old Marcilo Gacutan on October 4th.

According to a written statement from the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, "Gacutan was charged with Simple Assault when police were called to the Hartford Road home on October 4th. On that occasion, the victim told police that her son had thrown her to the ground and choked her with his hands during an argument. She refused medical treatment at the time, but went to a hospital the next day for head pain and underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage."

"Following surgery, Mrs. Gacutan entered into a coma, was placed on a ventilator and listed in critical condition. Because of his mother's condition, Marcilo Gacutan's charges were upgraded to Aggravated Assault on October 7th. She was removed from the respirator and a tracheotomy was performed late last month to help her breathe."

"Mrs. Gauctan died November 13th from a tracheal hemorrhage. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined that her death was due to the original injury sustained during the assault and ruled the death a homicide.