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Prosecutors: Hospital CEO Killed Wife And Then Himself

SOMERVILLE, N.J. (CBS/AP) — Prosecutors have ruled that a New Jersey hospital executive killed his wife before setting their home on fire and killing himself.

The Somerset County prosecutor's office said Friday that a medical examiner ruled John Sheridan's Sept. 28 death a suicide. They say that the ruling supports their conclusion that he killed his wife, Joyce, before setting their home ablaze.

John Sheridan was the CEO of Cooper University Health System. He and his wife were found unresponsive during a fire in the master bedroom of their Skillman home.

The couples' four sons released a statement Friday questioning the finding and saying some key evidence is missing.

Prosecutors say the medical examiner found John Sheridan died of sharp force injuries and smoke inhalation.

Joyce Sheridan's cause of death was earlier ruled a stab wound to her chest that punctured her aorta.

Friday afternoon, the Sheridan family released a statement regarding the prosecutor's ruling of murder-suicide.

Cooper University Health Care also released a statement:

"Our hearts are with the Sheridan family at this difficult time. Although the findings about his death and the death of Joyce are unfathomable to us, we will continue to remember John as a compassionate leader of Cooper who was committed to making positive change in Camden."

Click Here To Read The Full Report From The Prosecutor's Office 

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