A murder-for-hire accusation has been brought against a Camden County man who is awaiting trial for allegedly killing a coworker in Plainsboro. It is alleged that the guy hired an inmate to carry out a murder that was similar to his coworker’s death in order to cast doubt on the case.
And according to the authorities, he was allegedly willing to contribute $15,000 to the plot.
According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Kenneth Saal, 30, of Lindenwold, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, a first-degree crime, conspiracy to tamper with a witness, and conspiracy to obstruct his own prosecution, both second-degree offenses.
Saal is still being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center in North Brunswick, and he is due to show up for a hearing regarding his detention on Friday.
Coworker Carolyn Byington, 26, of Plainsboro, was found dead in her apartment after leaving for lunch in June of that year. Saal was charged in August 2019 with her murder.
After Byington’s coworkers requested a wellness check after she failed to show up for work, Plainsboro police were called to her residence.
Byington, a Ridge High School alum, was found dead at her apartment when police arrived there at 5:57 p.m. Byington was declared dead at the scene. According to officials, she suffered many stabbings as well as blunt force trauma.
Later, Saal was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, endangering an injured victim, obstructing one’s own arrest, and possession of a weapon for an illegal purpose. Additionally, there are fourth-degree offenses including evidence tampering and stalking listed in the indictment.
In December, Saal will stand trial for those crimes.
In a letter sent to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office earlier this month, it was claimed that Saal had planned to murder someone similar to Byington in order to cast doubt on Byington’s case.
According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Walter Kelley’s investigation, Saal allegedly asked a prisoner who he thought would soon be released to commit a murder that would clear Saal in exchange for a $15,000 cash. The inquiry is still ongoing. The number to call for Detective Kelley is 732-745-3330 if you have any information.
