Kyle Meyer: 'Paranoid' New Jersey man kills father with ax and pole saw after drug abuse on Christmas Eve

NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES: A man from New Jersey with a history of mental illness and addiction killed his father in a particularly brutal manner on Christmas Eve, authorities and family members claim. 

According to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Kyle Meyer, 33, has been charged with one count each of intentional murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with the brutal murder of Gregory Meyer, 61.

According to court documents, the heinous crime is thought to have been committed with an ax and a battery-operated pole saw.

Gregory Meyer killed with ax and pole saw

Authorities were called to the Meyer residence on Old Denville Road in Boonton, a small town located about 15 miles west of Paterson, on December 24. The victim was discovered dead at around 1:15 pm, according to the authorities.

The son of the elder Meyer, who resided in the home, was soon named as a suspect in the murder. Later that day, at around 9 pm, the defendant was taken into custody and charged in Paterson. 

According to a statement of probable cause, the victim, his alleged killer, and the victim's mother and sister all resided in the same home.

Gregory Meyer's mother was present in the home at the time. According to reports, she reported to the police that she overheard her son and her grandson fighting, which eventually turned into screaming and then silence.

The two alleged murder weapons were discovered by investigators at the scene, allegedly next to the body of the deceased man.

According to the affidavit that the outlet cited, every tool seemed to have blood stains on it. As per NorthJersey.com, the victim appeared to have saw wounds on his hands, fingers, and left leg in addition to ax wounds.

Additionally, it looked like the pole saw contained pieces of fabric that matched the material on Gregory Meyer's jacket.

Meyer family mourns death of Greg Meyer

In a statement given to local cable station News 12, the Meyer family said, “Greg was greatly loved by his friends and family and we are grieving his death. Our family believes it lost Greg’s son Kyle many years ago when Kyle gave himself over to alcohol and abuse of drugs legal and illegal."

They went on to say, "That abuse led to recurring periods of delusions and extreme paranoia, making him think others were out to kill him.”

The family added, "Greg was a loving father who tried to help. Our family was told Kyle could not be committed against his will unless he made threats—we want to warn other families that mental illness should be taken seriously, and those with delusions of paranoia can be a violent threat waiting to happen.”

Law enforcement has not suggested any motive yet. An email from a representative of the Boonton Township Police Department stated that the murder investigation is still underway.

The defendant is being held in the jail located in Morris County. He entered a not guilty plea during his initial court appearance on Tuesday. On Thursday, he is scheduled to make another court appearance for a detention hearing.

“On behalf of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, we offer our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends,” Morris County Prosecutor Robert J Carroll told Law&Crime in an email.

“We understand the impact such a loss can have on the community, and we ask for respect and privacy for the family. I would like to remind the community that our investigation remains active and ongoing."

"I would also like to acknowledge the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Boonton Township Police, and Paterson Police Department for their efforts in this investigation.”

The Meyer family expressed their concerns about mental health and the pain of a permanent loss in a GoFundMe for the victim's mother, who is 94 years old, as well as for funeral costs.

The fundraiser states, "Our family is suddenly faced with many burdens from this unbearable tragedy. We ask all families to take mental illness and addiction seriously. God bless you.”