N.J. man dies by suicide in jail one day after being convicted of wife’s murder

New Jersey’s dismal tale has changed. The man committed suicide in Camden County jail the day after being convicted of murdering his wife. Jail guards found 53-year-old Shawn Lichtfuss of Voorhees dead in his cell late at night on September 19 during routine checks. After being pronounced dead, it was discovered that he had suffocated himself.

He was found guilty on September 18 of killing his 38-year-old wife Stefanie Caraway after a fight on August 3, 2021. According to court documents, they fought at their apartment early in the morning. Lichtfuss “snapped.” The medical officer claimed Caraway died from neck compression.

Lichtfuss sent terrifying texts to family and friends following the incident. Author said farewell and asked someone to watch their son in one note. He apologized and talked about the family pets—three cats, a fish, and a snake. Later that day, authorities located him in a parked automobile at a petrol station near a police station. He was easily arrested.

This case ends abruptly and leaves memories of a dreadful crime and its effects on the couple’s child and family. Lichtfuss died in jail, but they didn’t say anything about it, showing how awful these events are for family and friends.

Sources

Camden County Prosecutor’s Office
Case affidavit and court records
Medical examiner’s findings