Tabernacle residents react to ongoing murder investigation

The investigation into the murder of a woman whose body was found in the woods along Route 206 the morning of Sept. 7 is ongoing. The victim has been identified as Lisa Armstrong, 47, of Trenton.

Armstrong’s body was discovered by a surveying crew shortly after 8 a.m. She was a found a few yards into the trees at the side of the rural highway. Evidence indicates that Armstrong was shot and killed at the location where she was located, and the murder likely took place within 24 hours of her discovery.

The grisly details came as a shock to residents.

“It hit very close to home. When the story was released and more details were discovered, people were pretty disturbed,” resident and Tabernacle Inn employee Rachael Rickabaugh said. “It is upsetting to know that something like that happened here.”

Former mayor and current committeeman Richard Franzen echoed the sentiment of surprise and shock that something like this could happen in Tabernacle.

“Anytime that a life is wrongly taken is a tragic time. My sympathies are extended to the victim’s family. We are shocked and saddened by this horrible event.

Mayor Stephen Lee expressed confidence in the police’s ability to protect now and in the future.

“This is a police matter and we have the utmost confidence that our community is safe given the diligent and professional service provided by the New Jersey State Police. I am sure I can say on behalf of our residents that our hears go out to the victim and victim’s family whose loved one has been lost through a senseless act. Our quiet rural community is one of friends and family. Such an unusual and tragic event impacts us all,”