‘She’s Dead’: Man Wakes Up Wife to Tell Her He Strangled Their Disabled Daughter, Prosecutors Say

**Accusations of Murder in Tragic Death of Disabled Daughter in New Jersey**

In a deeply distressing incident, Dennis J. Hall, a 71-year-old man from New Jersey, has been charged with first-degree murder following the tragic death of his disabled daughter, 40-year-old Devin Jolene-Kaye Hall. The horrifying event unfolded at their family residence in Franklin Township on the morning of June 11, when emergency services were alerted by Hall himself.

According to a statement from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, the Franklin Township Police arrived at the East Avenue home shortly after 6:00 a.m. Hall reportedly informed the emergency services that his daughter was unresponsive and not breathing. Following this urgent call, Hall is alleged to have confessed to strangling Devin, both during the initial telephone call and to the police officers soon after their arrival.

Additionally, a witness present at the scene has come forward, claiming that Hall admitted to the act of strangulation. This revelation raised alarm bells, prompting further investigation into the tragic circumstances of Devin’s death. The police were met with a scene that, as described by family and authorities alike, was shrouded in confusion and despair.

Jan Hall, the mother of Devin, recounted the harrowing moments following the incident in an interview with ABC6. She described how Hall woke her from sleep and disclosed, “I strangled Devin. She’s dead.” Initially struggling to comprehend the gravity of the statement, Jan recalled her immediate response of attempting to administer CPR to her daughter in a desperate bid to save her. However, despite these efforts, Devin was pronounced dead on June 12, after being taken off life support in hospital.

An autopsy conducted on Devin confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxiation, a fact that has only deepened the tragedy surrounding this case. Reports indicate that Dennis Hall had been experiencing extensive depression prior to the incident, a factor that Jan Hall suggested could have contributed to his actions, although the nature of his mental health struggles remains under scrutiny.

In a poignant reflection on her daughter’s life, Jan shared memories from Devin’s childhood and adult experiences. She highlighted Devin’s adventurous spirit, noting that she had a passion for travel, having visited 32 US states, as well as her love for music. Devin had enjoyed attending concerts, specifically a performance by Toby Keith that she saw at the age of 25, and cherished moments spent in the company of her family, including leisurely walks and bike rides.

The emotional toll on Jan Hall is profound, as she grapples with the loss of her daughter and the actions of her husband. “It’s like hell. I feel like I’m walking in a nightmare,” she remarked, articulating the trauma of her family’s situation and her need for answers about why Dennis committed such an unthinkable act. She expressed a desire to understand his motivations, particularly under circumstances where he had the opportunity to seek her help before the terrible outcome.

Dennis Hall is currently in custody at the Salem County Jail, where he is awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for June 23. As of now, he has not entered a plea regarding the murder charges, leaving many questions unanswered about the events that led to this family tragedy.

The case has received significant media attention, shedding light on the complexities of mental health, family dynamics, and the heart-wrenching consequences of severe emotional distress. As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, many are left to reflect on the fragility of life and the overarching need for compassionate support for families in crisis.