Vineland Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Millville Mom's Murder

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Eric Bundy-Johnson, a 35-year-old Vineland man, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with no chance of parole for the 2024 murder of Bonnie Hitchens, a 41-year-old mother of five, in Millville, New Jersey. Bundy-Johnson pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder, and weapons offenses after opening fire on a parked car and killing Hitchens, who was known as 'Bon-Bon' to loved ones. Another defendant, Francesca Delvalle, is still facing charges of hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic impact of gun violence in New Jersey communities, as a mother of five was senselessly killed in a dispute that erupted outside a local convenience store. It also raises questions about the state's criminal justice system and whether enough is being done to prevent repeat offenders from committing violent crimes.

The details

According to prosecutors, on October 26, 2024, Delvalle was driving a car with Bundy-Johnson as a passenger when they pulled up to the vehicle Hitchens was in outside a Millville convenience store. A verbal altercation ensued, and Bundy-Johnson then got out of the car and fired four shots into the driver's side of Hitchens' vehicle, killing her. Bundy-Johnson later told police he had 'blacked out' when he opened fire.

• On October 26, 2024, Bundy-Johnson shot and killed Bonnie Hitchens outside a Millville convenience store.
• In November 2026, Bundy-Johnson was sentenced to 30 years in prison with no chance of parole.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Francesca Delvalle out on bail.