Eileen Bright convicted of murder in Mays Landing killing

A jury has found 77-year-old Eileen Bright guilty of first-degree murder in the Easter Sunday 2024 killing of her longtime boyfriend, Gary Johnson, in Mays Landing.

During the trial, the jury rejected Bright’s insanity defense. Evidence indicated that Bright attacked the 81-year-old Johnson with a kitchen knife and a household statue. An autopsy confirmed Johnson died from blunt-force trauma and multiple stab wounds.

In addition to the murder conviction, Bright was found guilty of four weapons charges, including unlawful possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. She faces a sentence of 30 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 27, 2026.