Two handcuffed men walk away from rural New Jersey home with abandoned flowers on ground showing justice served

Cold Case Cracked: DNA on Gloves Nabs 2016 Murder Suspects

News Of Philadelphia has confirmed the arrest of two men nearly a decade after a fatal home invasion in Burlington County.

At a Glance

  • Kevin D’Costa, 45, and Daemen Hodge, 32, were charged with the 2016 murder of Norman Mosley, 37
  • Gloves found near the scene yielded DNA from both suspects and the victim after advanced forensic testing
  • D’Costa was already in custody on unrelated charges; Hodge was arrested at his girlfriend’s home
  • Why it matters: The breakthrough shows how evolving DNA technology can revive stalled homicide investigations and deliver long-awaited justice to grieving families

The breakthrough came after forensic analysts re-examined evidence collected on September 25, 2016, when two masked intruders forced their way into Mosley’s trailer in the Hilltop Mobile Village on Alfred Drive, Browns Mills, shortly before 10 p.m.

The Attack

Mosley and his girlfriend were inside the residence when the intruders entered. A struggle erupted, investigators said, ending with two gunshots. Mosley’s girlfriend drove him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later. The medical examiner determined he died from gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Evidence Breakthrough

During the multi-year investigation, gloves discovered on the road were submitted for enhanced DNA testing made possible by recent forensic advancements. Results showed a mixture of DNA from:

  • Kevin D’Costa
  • Daemen Hodge
  • Norman Mosley

While both men had already been named as suspects, the DNA findings strengthened the case enough for homicide warrants, the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Arrest Details

Suspect Age Hometown Arrest Location Date
Kevin D’Costa 45 Irvington, NJ Essex County Correctional Facility December 2025
Daemen Hodge 32 Browns Mills, NJ Girlfriend’s home, Bordentown Township January 16, 2026

D’Costa was served his warrant while in custody on unrelated charges. Hodge was lodged in the Burlington County Jail pending a Superior Court appearance.

Charges Filed

Both men face:

  • Murder
  • Robbery
  • Conspiracy
  • Unlawful possession of a weapon
  • Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
  • Certain persons not to possess firearms
Lab technician reviewing DNA analysis report with microscope showing distinct profiles for unknown victim and suspect

Prosecutors said the case will be prepared for grand-jury presentation for possible indictment.

A Mother’s Wait

After the murder, lead detective Anthony Luyber-now Chief of Detectives for the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office-promised Mosley’s mother, Tamara Burrows, that he would keep pushing until those responsible were caught.

Burrows repeatedly told Luyber she was praying for the investigators. “Nine years after Mosley’s life was taken during the home invasion, her prayers have come true. Mrs. Burrows now has justice for her son,” a spokesperson wrote.

Family members never lost hope, attending candlelight vigils for crime victims while carrying banners and wearing shirts bearing Mosley’s picture.

“We drew strength from the family’s support as we continued to investigate this case,” Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said. “It was uncharacteristic and greatly appreciated. We will continue our tenacious investigative approach to find those who commit violent crimes and hold them accountable for the carnage they have caused.”

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