Additional Charges Filed Against Kearny Man Charged with Desecrating Human Remains

Additional charges have been filed against a 32-year-old man in connection with the fatal stabbing of Corey McFadden in Kearny on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Matthew Kochell, of Kearny, is charged with Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d. Kochell and codefendant Elliot Barton, 39, of Kearny, were both previously charged with Desecrating/Disturbing Human Remains in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:22-1a and are being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility. Kochell is tentatively scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at approximately 5:45 a.m., the Kearny Police Department received a 911 call regarding an individual lying on the ground in the area of Belgrove Drive and Afton Street. Responding officers located a male victim – later identified as Corey McFadden, 34 – with multiple apparent stab wounds to the lower body and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:20 a.m.

The above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).