NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE & PROPERTY CONDEMNATION

To: Estate of William R. Cross / Current Occupant

From: Warren County Department of Health & Property Adjudication

Date: October 28, 2021

RE: Property at 13 Hillcrest Drive, Oxford, NJ - CONDEMNED

This notice serves as an official declaration that the property located at 13 Hillcrest Drive, Oxford, NJ, formerly the residence of Mr. William R. Cross (deceased), has been deemed unfit for human habitation and is hereby condemned by the Warren County Department of Health, effective immediately.

Following the tragic events of August 13, 2021, and subsequent investigations, an official inspection was conducted on October 25, 2021. The inspection revealed extensive biohazardous contamination throughout the premises, primarily consisting of significant quantities of uncleaned human bloodstains and other organic matter resulting from the violent crime committed on site. These conditions pose a severe and immediate threat to public health and safety.

Furthermore, the property has been found to be in a severe state of neglect, exhibiting signs of hoarding that contribute to unsanitary conditions. The combination of biohazard and extensive hoarding has rendered the property structurally unsound in certain areas and a breeding ground for vermin and disease.

Due to these findings, the property is foreclosed upon by Warren County. All access to the property is strictly prohibited without express written consent from the Warren County Sheriff's Department. Any attempt to enter the premises will be considered trespassing and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Arrangements for the remediation and eventual disposition of the property will be managed by the county. Any inquiries regarding personal effects believed to be on the property must be directed through the Warren County Prosecutor's Office, referencing Case File #08132021-WRC.

We understand this is a difficult situation following a horrific event. However, the safety and health of the community must remain our paramount concern.

Sincerely,

Johnathan T. Weathersby
Director, Warren County Property Adjudication

Dr. Eleanor Vance
Chief Health Officer, Warren County Department of Health

URGENT FOLLOW-UP: NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE & PROPERTY CONDEMNATION - UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS

To: Warren County Sheriff's Department / Prosecutor's Office

From: Warren County Department of Health & Property Adjudication

Date: December 17, 2021

RE: Property at 13 Hillcrest Drive, Oxford, NJ - CONDEMNED - Evidence of Squatting

This is an urgent follow-up to our condemnation notice dated October 28, 2021, regarding the property at 13 Hillcrest Drive, Oxford, NJ.

During a scheduled preliminary hazard assessment on December 15, 2021, by county-contracted bio-remediation specialists (accompanied by a deputy sheriff), clear and disturbing evidence of unauthorized entry and potential squatting was discovered. This is despite the property being officially condemned, sealed, and marked with no-trespass warnings.

Observations include:

  • Pried-open rear basement window, previously secured.
  • Makeshift bedding (dirty blankets, a plethora of horror movie memorabilia.) found in an upstairs bedroom.
  • Empty food containers (canned goods, discarded and/or unfinished microwave meals) of recent origin.
  • Disturbingly, new, small arrangements of what appear to be personal effects of the deceased (Mr. William Cross) were found in several rooms. These items were not in these configurations during the initial crime scene processing or our October inspection.
  • A strong, fresh odor of decay mixed with an unidentifiable chemical scent, not consistent with the original crime scene biohazards alone, was noted in the vicinity of the staircase where Mr. Cross was found.

The original condemnation stands due to extensive biohazardous material (uncleaned bloodstains from the murder, hoarding conditions). The addition of a potential squatter, who may be exposed to these hazards and/or tampering with a former crime scene, elevates this to an immediate public safety and law enforcement concern.

We strongly urge the Sheriff's Department to secure the property more robustly and investigate this unauthorized access immediately. The individual(s) may be at risk and could pose a risk to others if contaminated. The bio-remediation team has temporarily suspended operations pending your investigation and re-securing of the premises.

Please advise on your intended course of action.

Sincerely,

Johnathan T. Weathersby
Director, Warren County Property Adjudication

Dr. Eleanor Vance
Chief Health Officer, Warren County Department of Health

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