⚖️ MAYS LANDING WOMAN CONVICTED IN PARTNER’S 2024 DEATH
A jury convicted 77-year-old Eileen Bright of murder for the 2024 killing of her domestic partner in Mays Landing. Prosecutors say she used a statue and a kitchen knife to fatally attack 81-year-old Gary Johnson at their home.
A 77-year-old Mays Landing woman has been found guilty of murder in connection with the 2024 death of her domestic partner, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Eileen Bright was convicted by a jury on September 22, 2026, of first-degree murder, along with two counts of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The case stems from March 31, 2024, when Hamilton Township police responded to a residence on Lewis Drive shortly before 6 p.m. following a report of a deceased man.
Officers discovered 81-year-old Gary Johnson, also of Mays Landing, dead inside the home with multiple injuries to his body and head. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to prosecutors, an examination determined Johnson died from a combination of blunt force trauma and stab wounds.
Evidence presented during Bright’s trial indicated that a household statue and a kitchen knife were used in the fatal attack. Jurors also rejected Bright’s defense of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Bright now faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in state prison. Her sentencing will take place at a later date.
🔎 Garden State News Network will provide additional information as it becomes available.