NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The 21-year-old New Jersey man accused of killing his 81-year-old grandfather with an ax as he burglarized his home faces first-degree felony murder, burglary and other charges.
Jason Vicari, of Wyckoff, N.J., was also charged with unlawful weapon possession charges and more for the homicide Tuesday at the home of his grandfather, Richard Vicari, said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella Thursday.
The Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday Elmwood Park Police responded to a 911 call around 9:30 a.m. of an incident at a home Beechwood Avenue.
The Regional SWAT Team was called in after responding officers were told there was an injured person inside, with another barricaded.
After a brief standoff, the 21-year-old was removed by authorities and the area was secured, officials said.
Officers went into the home and found his grandfather — later identified as Ronald Vicari — deceased on the bathroom floor.
"While in custody at the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Mr. Jason Vicari uttered that he believed his grandfather was a monster and God told him he would have to switch religions," police said in the affidavit obtained by NorthJersey.com.
The affidavit reportedly claims a SWAT team member overheard the 21-year-old say "God told me to do it," while in the back of an ambulance.
Ronald Vicari was a prominent member of the Elmwood Park community — serving as the chair of the borough's planning board for at least a decade.
Neighbor Geri Mola told NJ.com Vicari "had a beautiful relationship with his grandchildren."
"You’d just mention those kids and he’d smile," she said.