Phillip John Frascella II, aged 24, tragically took his own life on March 13 at the Northern State Prison in Newark. Confirming this heartbreaking incident, the family’s attorney, Jennifer Torsiello Cassett, shared the devastating news.
“We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Unfortunately, we do not have access to the prison file or surveillance video at this time,” stated Cassett. “However, what we can confirm is that Northern State Prison is known to be a high-risk environment, and regrettably, this is not the first incident of this nature to occur within its walls.”
On Thursday, March 21, Daily Voice reached out to the public information office at the state Department of Corrections and left a message.
In 2018, Frascella, a recent graduate of Vineland High School, was apprehended by the police. He had forcefully entered a nearby residence while wearing a mask. Upon gaining entry, Frascella brandished a knife and demanded to be informed of the whereabouts of the homeowner’s jewelry.
Frascella was taken aback when the victim pressed her Life Alert button, causing him to flee. He was apprehended by the authorities the next day.
According to Frascella’s obituary, he will be fondly remembered for his radiant smile. The obituary highlights his joyous nature and his love for sharing laughter with his loved ones and others.
Phil was an intelligent, ambitious, loyal, funny, and handsome individual who thrived on the love and admiration of others. His charismatic personality made it easy for him to be adored by those around him. Not only was he creative and artistically inclined, but he was also a talented writer. Phil’s passion for music was evident in his dedication to both creating and listening to it.
“No one, especially a 24-year-old young man, should lose their life while under the supervision and care of our prison systems. These facilities have constant video surveillance and guards whose responsibility is to monitor the inmates. It is truly tragic that this situation could have been prevented.”
