Man accused of fatally stabbing New Jersey veterinarian to remain in jail while awaiting trial

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- The suspect charged in the stabbing death of a New Jersey veterinarian will remain in jail while awaiting trial.

Cristian Custodio-Aquino, 27, appeared before a New Jersey judge Tuesday morning for a detention hearing.

He is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 45-year-old Doctor Michael Anthony.

In February, U.S. Marshals arrested Custodio-Aquino in California.

Anthony was found dead outside his home in Cherry Hill back in December.

Prosecutors say they uncovered significant evidence linking Custodio-Aquino, who lives in Portland, Oregon, to the crime. A pair of sunglasses found near the body was later traced to the defendant.

Custodio-Aquino's Nissan Altima was also spotted by license plate readers in the area on the day of the murder and later tracked in Florida and California. Investigators say they found Dr. Anthony's blood inside that vehicle.

But Custodio-Aquino's attorney argued that the evidence didn't support the murder charge.

"There is no direct evidence from my perspective that this was a murder, and that's what he's charged with," his attorney said.

"This is a murder. This was a brutal, violent attack. This defendant assassinated Doctor Michael Anthony," the state responded.

In court, prosecutors revealed that Dr. Anthony was dating the defendant's ex-boyfriend, and that may have motivated the killing.

The judge sided with the prosecution, and Custodio Aquino was denied bond, saying he was a flight risk and a threat to the community.

He is due back in court on August 6 at 9 a.m.