Judge hopes punishment of NJ man who executed ex-wife sends a message

GLASSBORO — A borough man who ruthlessly killed his 53-year-old wife in 2012 was sentenced Friday to 61 years in prison.

Charles F. Sawyer, 62, took away the life of Rita Sawyer in the living room of her home on June 2, 2012, after tying her up in duct tape, placing the barrel of a stolen gun against her head and pulling the trigger, witnesses testified.

The pair had divorced in 2004 after 26 years of marriage, but Sawyer persisted in stalking his ex-wife and sending her threatening text messages.

“From a domestic violence perspective, clearly a message must be sent," Superior Court Judge Kevin T. Smith, sitting in Woodbury, said in handing down the punishment.

In determining the sentence, the judge cited Sawyer's “somewhat maniacal personality" and "uncontrollable jealousy" as well as the excessively cruel nature of the crime.

He must serve at least 46 ½ years before he is eligible for parole.

Sawyer was found guilty by a Gloucester County jury in February of first-degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, burglary, theft, aggravated assault and threat to kill.

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