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$1 Million Bond For N.J. Man Accused Of Killing Acquaintance

RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Bail has been set at $1 million for northern New Jersey man, who allegedly killed an acquaintance from Raritan Township whose body was found in his own townhouse.

Hunterdon County, N.J., prosecutors said Gary Passarelli, 39, of North Plainfield was charged in the death of John Niko, 35, an acquaintance of his who was reported missing by coworkers after he failed to show up for work Friday.

Niko's body was found around 12:50 p.m. by Raritan police.

Authorities confronted Passarelli when he arrived home Friday afternoon, and he was formally charged later that day. But a possible motive has not been disclosed.

An autopsy determined the principal cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and chest, while multiple stab wounds were a secondary cause.

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