Camden, N.J. – Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Pennsauken Police Acting Chief Phil Olivo announce the sentencing of a Pennsauken man in the death of a two-year-old boy in 2016.
On June 7, 2022, Zachary Tricoche, 30, was sentenced to 16 years in New Jersey State Prison by Camden County Superior Court Judge Edward J. McBride, Jr.
On November 18, 2021, Tricoche of Pennsauken pleaded guilty to first degree Aggravated Manslaughter for recklessly causing the death of the two-year-old in August 2016. Tricoche told the child to “put his hands up” to fight, Camden County prosecutors said.
During his plea, Tricoche admitted to striking the two-year-old victim in the stomach which caused internal bleeding that ultimately resulted the victim’s death.
On Saturday, August 20, 2016 at approximately 11:28 p.m. Pennsauken Police responded to the 5900 block of Mansion Boulevard in Pennsauken in reference to an unresponsive child. Officers and Emergency Medical Personnel arrived and quickly transported the two-year-old male victim to Cooper University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The boy was pronounced deceased at 12:08 a.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2016.
The investigation conducted by Lieutenant Frank Simpson of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and Detective John Kelly of the Pennsauken Police Department led to the arrest of Tricoche. Tricoche was the boyfriend of the victim’s mother at the time of the offense.
Tricoche must serve 85% of his sentence before he will be eligible for parole. Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Pratter, Deputy Section Chief of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit represents the state in this matter.
