Pennsylvania woman convicted in Surf City double murder
On March 1, 2024, in Toms River, NJ, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer declared that Sherry Lee Heffernan, a 57-year-old resident of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, had been convicted of two counts of Murder in connection with the tragic deaths of John Enders and Francoise Pitoy. This verdict came after a rigorous four-week jury trial presided over by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C. The murders took place in Surf City around September 29, 2021. The jury, beyond a reasonable doubt, concluded that Heffernan intentionally caused the deaths of Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy. Additionally, Heffernan was found guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, including a handgun and a knife, as well as Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2024, where Heffernan could face a life sentence.
The investigation into the deaths of John Enders, 87, and Francoise Pitoy, 75, began on October 3, 2021, when the Surf City Police Department responded to a welfare check at their residence on North 7th Street. Tragically, both victims were already deceased upon arrival, with Mr. Enders having suffered multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, while Ms. Pitoy had multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound to the face. Further examination revealed that Heffernan, Mr. Enders’ daughter, was responsible for their deaths. She was subsequently arrested on October 4, 2021, in Landenberg, Pennsylvania, and has been in custody since October 20, 2021.
Prosecutor Billhimer commended Chief Trial Attorney Michael Weatherstone and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman for their exceptional work in presenting the case on behalf of the State. The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Surf City Police Department, and several others, played a crucial role in solving these heinous crimes. The guilty verdicts handed down in this case stand as a testament to the dedication and professionalism exhibited by all those involved in seeking justice for the victims and their families.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains shocked by the events that transpired in Surf City in 2021. The upcoming sentencing of Sherry Lee Heffernan serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in the face of senseless violence. The impact of these tragic deaths will forever be felt by those who knew and loved John Enders and Francoise Pitoy, but the resolution of this case brings a measure of closure and justice to their memory.
