I am deeply saddened and outraged that someone could be so evil that they would take the life of Sylvester (Buttons) Combs, who by all accounts was a peaceful man who would never harm anyone. He did not deserve this horrible fate and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Many people, myself included, tried to help Buttons over the years and to get him the help he needed and a safe place to live. I am really disappointed that none of these efforts were successful.

There were many good people in Swedesboro who took care of Buttons as best they could and kept him clothed and fed. I commend all of you who demonstrated what our community is all about. There is now a fundraiser underway to help Button’s family with funeral expenses and donations are being collected at Joe Giacobbe’s Farmers Insurance office located at 1506 Kings Highway.

Violent crime is extremely rare in Swedesboro and we are struggling to deal with this tragedy. This just doesn’t happen in our town. I am in constant contact with Chief Jaramillo to get updates on the intense investigation underway by numerous law enforcement agencies to find the animal(s) who committed this heinous act. It is my hope that ultimately the investigation will conclude that this was an isolated crime and not a random act. The Chief has assured me that police patrols have been significantly increased throughout the town and that both uniformed and non-uniformed officers are involved.

The police need our help with the investigation, so if you observed anything suspicious that could aid in the investigation please call the Woolwich Police or you can send information anonymously to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s office at tips.co.gloucster.nj.us. Please help in any way you can.

This is a time when we all need to support each other so we can be confident that Swedesboro is still a safe and secure town to live and raise our families. I am confident that this is still the case.

Mayor Fromm