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Arrest Made In 2016 Beating Death Of Homeless Man In Swedesboro

WOODBURY, N.J. (CBS) — A 24-year-old Paulsboro, New Jersey man is charged with the beating death of a man last year who called the streets of Swedesboro his home.

Malcolm Tyson has been in custody since August on an unrelated robbery charge in West Deptford. Investigators linked him to the murder of 60-year-old Sylvester Combs, known to friends as "Buttons," through evidence found at a nearby arson scene in Swedesboro.

But Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton says there's no link between the arson and the murder and the two men were nothing more than acquaintances.

"As far as why he did it, only he and, unfortunately, Mr. Combs know what happened," Dalton told KYW Newsradio.

Combs was found beaten inside an abandoned trailer he used for shelter in April. Tyson faces a detention hearing next week.

The victim's brother-in-law, Alfred Lee, is grateful Tyson's been charged.

"We know that God's hand is in this because had it not been for God, what we're experiencing today would not have happened," Lee said.

A $7,500 reward will be handed out, if Tyson is convicted. While citizen tips helped lead to the arrest, Dalton won't say who's up for that reward.

 

 

 

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