Judge: Latko bail stays at $2 million

by Gabe Donio, Gazette Staff Writer

HAMMONTON—New Jersey Superior Court Judge Michael Donio denied the motion for bail reduction made by the attorney for murder suspect Patrick Latko on January 19.
Donio kept the bail at $2 million, full cash, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
The state was represented in both cases by Chief Assistant Prosecutor John Maher, the prosecutor’s office said.
Latko, 32, was arrested on November 30, 2011 at his residence in Wenonah without incident. Mr. Latko is being charged with the murders of 64-year-old Diana Patterson and her son, Ryan Patterson, 29, both of Hammonton.
Early in the morning of November 3, police found the victims dead in their home located at 32 South Madison Avenue. Upon completion of autopsies, both victims were confirmed to have died from sustaining multiple sharp force trauma wounds. On November 6, authorities discovered a knife found in the yard of a Hammonton residence on 12th Street, which is believed to be the knife used in the stabbing of the victims.
Latko is currently being charged with two counts of murder, two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury originally set the bail at $2 million.