NJ - Carolyn Byington, 26, killed inside her home, Plainsboro, 10 June 2019 *Arrest*

[ilovechili]

Just took a walk with my dog over to Carolyn’s building and as we were passing by her building a worker from Ring Video Doorbell pulled up and went to her neighbor’s apartment. If only they had that installed before Carolyn was killed.

No kidding. I wonder if they are seeing a few Ring Doorbells installed... I thought people installed them on their own--or at least I have seen many say how simple it is--I did not know they had installers...

 

[MissyMom]

No kidding. I wonder if they are seeing a few Ring Doorbells installed... I thought people installed them on their own--or at least I have seen many say how simple it is--I did not know they had installers...

He pulled up in a big black Ring Doorbell truck. Not sure if he actually installed it or the people in the apartment did.

 

[LVatty10]

This case blows my mind. And it’s quite possibly the most terrifying current unsolved murder.

A little surprised by the apparent lack of interest.

I feel for the locals posting here.

How has LE not determined if this was random or how she was lured home?

IMO, LE knows more than they are saying. They have to unless she (1) decided to go home for no apparent reason and (2) was randomly attacked in the middle of the day.

Odds are very much against her doing something out of routine (going home at lunch) and being randomly attacked at home in the middle of the day.

Are her family and friends demanding justice? Any campaign to find a killer?

 

[ilovechili]

He pulled up in a big black Ring Doorbell truck. Not sure if he actually installed it or the people in the apartment did.

Is this the apartment directly below her?

 

[ilovechili]

This case blows my mind. And it’s quite possibly the most terrifying current unsolved murder.

A little surprised by the apparent lack of interest.

I feel for the locals posting here.

How has LE not determined if this was random or how she was lured home?

IMO, LE knows more than they are saying. They have to unless she (1) decided to go home for no apparent reason and (2) was randomly attacked in the middle of the day.

Odds are very much against her doing something out of routine (going home at lunch) and being randomly attacked at home in the middle of the day.

Are her family and friends demanding justice? Any campaign to find a killer?

This case has been extremely quiet even on the friends and family front from the very beginning. I sure hope more is going on than we are aware of and that they know more than it appears.

I agree the odds are against random attack and her just happening to go home, etc. A bit too coincidental imo.

 

[MissyMom]

Is this the apartment directly below her?

No, it’s in her breezeway but in the front and on the other side.

 

[MissyMom]

This case has been extremely quiet even on the friends and family front from the very beginning. I sure hope more is going on than we are aware of and that they know more than it appears.

I agree the odds are against random attack and her just happening to go home, etc. A bit too coincidental imo.

Not sure if you can see this Facebook page, if you can, read the comments. Plainsboro NJ

 

[LVatty10]

Not sure if you can see this Facebook page, if you can, read the comments. Plainsboro NJ

Interesting comment by HR.

How do you not hire all new maintenance guys if you run this complex? Maybe it wasn’t one of them but I’d do it just for optics and to be safe.

 

[ilovechili]

Not sure if you can see this Facebook page, if you can, read the comments. Plainsboro NJ

I can't, sure wish I could.

 

[ilovechili]

Not sure if you can see this Facebook page, if you can, read the comments. Plainsboro NJ

Actually, I did manage to see it now. Wow. I agree with the above, the remark by HR. No offense to where you live but what is wrong with this place? I hope that guy called LE.

Jmo.

ETA: Or management I mean more so.

 

[InspectGadget]

Not sure if any neighbors have any type of cameras but Plainsboro PD does have a program where you can register them, from their web page:
“COMMUNITY CAMERA PROGRAM
The Plainsboro Township Police Department is seeking cooperation from township residents who utilize home surveillance systems. This is a voluntary program and is intended to help solve crimes and further protect the community.

Citizens willing to participate and allow the Plainsboro Township Police Department to review residential surveillance footage for investigative purposes should complete the attached form. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Patrolman Robert Urie at (609)799-2333ext. 1656 or rurie@plainsboropolice.com. Thank you for your continued support”

Community Camera Program | Plainsboro, NJ

If there is video though, I would think that they would have some sort of description out there. Still a program that is good to know about if residents start getting them because of this.

Also, I did see the comment on the FB post above. They definitely have to do something about those maintenance guys!! Seriously!

FWIW, A tip I was given when my apartment was robbed years ago was to get a door block (sometimes referred to as cop blocks). Especially for apartment dwellers, who can’t necessarily change the locks, it is IMO the next best thing, no one, even with a key can get in with it (hence the “cop block” nickname). I still use mine in my current apartment. I believe they are about $40 and worth it even just for peace of mind.

I will peek around and see if I find any interesting, wondering if there has been any recent reports of robberies, etc. Who knows, worth a try.

In reading that comment as well as your account MissyMom, I definitely would be wary of workers having master keys!
They arguably could have def had a way to lure her home as well with an apartment emergency as mentioned previously. Plus, they would have easily been able to navigate the complex and lessen their chances of being seen. Just thinking out loud now. All IMHO only.

 

[bears10]

Interesting comment by HR.

How do you not hire all new maintenance guys if you run this complex? Maybe it wasn’t one of them but I’d do it just for optics and to be safe.

Really? And fire a bunch of people who are innocent? Even if the perp is a maintenance worker, that doesn't mean they ALL are guilty.

 

[realanastasia]

This may be a dumb question, but are we certain that Hunter’s Glen even allows tenants to install supplementary door locks? My family owns and rents out several commercial and residential units not far from Plainsboro, so I’ve seen many PA and NJ rental agreements that mandate that tenants provide the landlord or property manager with copies of keys to any supplemental locks the tenants have installed on/in their units (so that maintenance issues in the unit can be addressed, particularly urgent ones—for example, if a tenant has let their bathtub overflow and water is pouring into their downstairs neighbor’s unit). The landlord/property manager is required to provide the tenant with 24 hours’ notice that they will be entering their unit, though this requirement is waived in urgent situations like the aforementioned as long as the landlord/PM notifies the tenant—via email or phone call/voicemail—that they will be entering their unit immediately). Possibly Carolyn got a call at work that morning from the landlord/PM informing her that maintenance was shortly going to enter her apartment, she dashed home to put away any items/hide any unapproved pets/usher out any unapproved guests that she didn’t want maintenance to see, and subsequently had a confrontation with said maintenance worker or property manager? I keep thinking of the phrase LE used—that she was “drawn home”—and unless she got a call from a delivery service telling her to run home to sign for a certified letter or valuable/important delivery, it seems to me that a call from the property manager or maintenance service is very likely the catalyst LE is referring to.

The preceding thoughts are MOO!

 

[zecats]

The phrase "drawn home" is intriguing to me as well. Could it be an off the cuff sort of statement referring to a choice she herself made? (She forgot something, forgot to turn off something, had to change clothes, needed to pick up some important mail, etc, etc.)
I tend to lean more to the meaning that someone lured her home somehow. I just can't figure a way for that to have been done with no trail...unless the trail is not being discussed publicly by LE or family or friends. There are pretty much zero comments from any of the above.

ETA I did find FB for her sister and one post announcing the obit and expressing her painful loss, followed by usual comments of sympathy and sadness. At least there is something.

 

[MissyMom]

I want to clarify a few things about the management company at Hunter’s Glen. First, they only took over the property 18 months ago. So far, my personal experience with them has been very good. ( However, I do believe they should now install cameras) The maintenance workers I am familiar with have been here for years and have been very trustworthy and responsive. I was upset last week when I found the vacant apartment below me left unlocked, but they responded quickly and locked the apartment. With that said, there are a few new maintenance workers who I do not know that well. Several months ago a new maintenance worker opened my door by mistake and I do believe it was only a mistake. He was very embarrassed and apologized profusely. All the buildings here look alike and not every door has a number on it. I’m more concerned about the various outside contractors who are hired to do work here than the actual maintenance workers.

Second, in regard to changing locks, I would have to go back and check my lease, but I don’t believe it is allowed in case of an emergency and I don’t necessarily disagree with that policy.

Also, until the last few weeks, I have always felt safe living here and it was one of the main reasons I chose to live here. I didn’t mention this earlier, but I was a victim of an armed robbery several years ago at a different apartment complex, in a different part of NJ and also in a very good area with little to no crime at the time. And I should add, in broad daylight. Unfortunately, bad things happen even in very good areas.

I still tend to believe the person who killed Carolyn knew her in some way and I am hoping LE is keeping quiet because they are trying make sure they have an open and shut case.

 

[zecats]

I want to clarify a few things about the management company at Hunter’s Glen. First, they only took over the property 18 months ago. So far, my personal experience with them has been very good. ( However, I do believe they should now install cameras) The maintenance workers I am familiar with have been here for years and have been very trustworthy and responsive. I was upset last week when I found the vacant apartment below me left unlocked, but they responded quickly and locked the apartment. With that said, there are a few new maintenance workers who I do not know that well. Several months ago a new maintenance worker opened my door by mistake and I do believe it was only a mistake. He was very embarrassed and apologized profusely. All the buildings here look alike and not every door has a number on it. I’m more concerned about the various outside contractors who are hired to do work here than the actual maintenance workers.

Second, in regard to changing locks, I would have to go back and check my lease, but I don’t believe it is allowed in case of an emergency and I don’t necessarily disagree with that policy.

Also, until the last few weeks, I have always felt safe living here and it was one of the main reasons I chose to live here. I didn’t mention this earlier, but I was a victim of an armed robbery several years ago at a different apartment complex, in a different part of NJ and also in a very good area with little to no crime at the time. And I should add, in broad daylight. Unfortunately, bad things happen even in very good areas.

I still tend to believe the person who killed Carolyn knew her in some way and I am hoping LE is keeping quiet because they are trying make sure they have an open and shut case.

I hope so too. They sure are keeping quiet, but then it was stated early on that they would not release info on this case. It's their job to solve it the best way they know how, and giving public info is not part of their requirement. I do feel that some statement should be given on the safety /security of others in the area, however. (If it has not been, on a more local basis.)

I'm sorry for your experience. It scares me thinking about it for you. And now you are dealing with more scariness just by living in the same complex. Please watch your back (and your front and both sides) and take care all times.

 

[ilovechili]

Not sure if any neighbors have any type of cameras but Plainsboro PD does have a program where you can register them, from their web page:
“COMMUNITY CAMERA PROGRAM
The Plainsboro Township Police Department is seeking cooperation from township residents who utilize home surveillance systems. This is a voluntary program and is intended to help solve crimes and further protect the community.

Citizens willing to participate and allow the Plainsboro Township Police Department to review residential surveillance footage for investigative purposes should complete the attached form. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Patrolman Robert Urie at (609)799-2333ext. 1656 or rurie@plainsboropolice.com. Thank you for your continued support”

Community Camera Program | Plainsboro, NJ

If there is video though, I would think that they would have some sort of description out there. Still a program that is good to know about if residents start getting them because of this.

Also, I did see the comment on the FB post above. They definitely have to do something about those maintenance guys!! Seriously!

FWIW, A tip I was given when my apartment was robbed years ago was to get a door block (sometimes referred to as cop blocks). Especially for apartment dwellers, who can’t necessarily change the locks, it is IMO the next best thing, no one, even with a key can get in with it (hence the “cop block” nickname). I still use mine in my current apartment. I believe they are about $40 and worth it even just for peace of mind.

I will peek around and see if I find any interesting, wondering if there has been any recent reports of robberies, etc. Who knows, worth a try.

In reading that comment as well as your account MissyMom, I definitely would be wary of workers having master keys!
They arguably could have def had a way to lure her home as well with an apartment emergency as mentioned previously. Plus, they would have easily been able to navigate the complex and lessen their chances of being seen. Just thinking out loud now. All IMHO only.

Great post and excellent points as well as safety tips with the "cop block".

 

[ilovechili]

Really? And fire a bunch of people who are innocent? Even if the perp is a maintenance worker, that doesn't mean they ALL are guilty.

If someone tried to enter an apartment without notice, that person if known should be looked into and possibly fired.

As far as firing everyone, probably not possible IF they are employees and not just a contracted service or possibly even not vetted for criminal records, if they are legal, etc. The complex could though change some practices like who can enter, that someone when first entering needs to be with them or let them in, like management only, etc. and show the tenants things are being taken seriously.

It does not even sound like they are willing to install cameras after this, even in the complex. I wonder why.

Jmo though.

 

[bears10]

If someone tried to enter an apartment without notice, that person if known should be looked into and possibly fired.

As far as firing everyone, probably not possible IF they are employees and not just a contracted service or possibly even not vetted for criminal records, if they are legal, etc. The complex could though change some practices like who can enter, that someone when first entering needs to be with them or let them in, like management only, etc. and show the tenants things are being taken seriously.

It does not even sound like they are willing to install cameras after this, even in the complex. I wonder why.

Jmo though.

NJ is an at will state.

My point is, why would you want to see a bunch of innocent people fired from their jobs for no fault of their own? That’s craziness to me to even suggest taking away people’s livelihoods due to circumstances beyond their control, no matter how unfortunate the circumstance.

 

[PrairieWind]

I am getting concerned about the lack of apparent progress on this case. Maybe there is stuff going on the behind the scenes. I am hoping this isn't just a random stranger attack, crime of opportunity. Her co-workers I believe said it was unusual for her to go home on lunch break. So it would seem likely that her return to the apartment is linked to the attack, but not necessarily. Was she dating anyone? I don't know if I ever heard. Had she had problems with anyone? Any unusual purchases or calls to or from her phone?