By Michael O. Allen, Record Staff Writer | Thursday, December 13, 1990
The Record (New Jersey) | Four Star B | NEWS | Page B02
An elderly Bergenfield man whose son is charged with his murder was strangled by hand and with a rope or string, according to an autopsy report disclosed Wednesday. Robert Tillman, 73, was also struck about the face with a blunt object, had two broken ribs, and was missing a couple of teeth, but his death was caused by the strangulation, said Bergen County Assistant Prosecutor Sharyn Peiffer, head of homicide investigations.
Peiffer would not say what led investigators to Bruce Tillman, 31, who had lived with his father at 310 Phelps Ave. for about a month before the killing Sunday. Tillman was charged with murder Monday and was being held in the Bergen County Jail on $750,000 bail.
The criminal complaint against Tillman said undisclosed evidence found at the house led police to charge him.
Tillman and his brother, Robert Tillman Jr. of North Bergen, went to Bergenfield police Sunday night to report finding their father’s body in the house. A search of the crime scene found no sign of forced entry or robbery, Bergen County Prosecutor John J. Fahy said Monday. Robert Tillman Jr. was not charged.
Police said they believe the murder occurred about noon Sunday, following a “fierce altercation” between the father and son. The two men had bruises on their bodies, Fahy said.
Peiffer said authorities believe the elder Tillman sustained his injuries during the fight.
ID: 17326536 | Copyright © 1990, The Record (New Jersey)
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