Man sentenced to over a decade in prison for 2016 manslaughter

A 69-year-old Westville man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office says Michael Zappley choked and beat the victim, Miguel Martinez III, in 2016. After leaving the victim unconscious overnight, Zappley told police he returned the next day to burn and dispose of the body. Martinez was missing for about four years before a witness came forward with information in 2020 that helped police find the victim’s remains in a wooded area off Fox Run Road in Deptford. Zappley pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in August and must serve at least 85% of his 12-year sentence under the No Early Release Act before he is eligible for parole. (photo credit: Getty Images)