In a case that has been under investigation for over a decade, Frederick P. Balester, now 69, has been charged with the criminal homicide of his cousin, Jonathan J. Balester, following a dispute over the sale of their family’s optical business. The dramatic turn of events sheds light on a long-standing family conflict that culminated in tragedy.
Dispute Over Business Sale
The roots of the conflict trace back to offers from Essilor, a prominent eyeglass lens manufacturer, which sought to acquire Balester Optical. Initially, in 2008, Essilor proposed a $4.9 million deal that was accepted by all shareholders except Jonathan Balester, who consistently opposed the sale. Subsequent offers in 2009, 2010, and again in 2011 met the same resistance from Jonathan, effectively blocking the transactions.
According to an affidavit, Frederick, who was eager to sell, confronted Jonathan at his Kingston Township residence in May 2011, a day before yet another crucial shareholder meeting. During this encounter, Frederick allegedly used a stun gun on Jonathan before fatally stabbing him.
Evidence and Investigation
Investigators quickly focused on Frederick Balester as a suspect. They discovered emails suggesting Frederick’s frustration with his cousin’s refusal to sell, as well as an email address, nojon750@aol.com, that seemed to allude to Jonathan. After Jonathan failed to attend the shareholder meeting—a rare occurrence, according to his brother Matthew—the family became concerned and initiated a search.
Physical evidence gathered by police included a receipt for a stun gun found in Frederick’s trash, and DNA analysis of latex gloves from the crime scene linking Frederick to the murder. A forensic pathologist later confirmed stun gun marks on Jonathan’s back matched the device found in Frederick’s possession.
Delayed Arrest
Despite the evidence, Frederick Balester was not charged until recently. Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce explained that the lengthy investigation required revisiting and piecing together facts collected over 15 years. “We had to make sure that we had all our T’s crossed and I’s dotted,” Sanguedolce stated. He acknowledged the state’s police efforts in keeping the case active and pursuing leads.
In October, authorities offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, but no additional leads emerged. As the case moves forward, no further arrests are anticipated, despite an unidentified third DNA profile found on the gloves.
The sale of Balester Optical eventually proceeded in 2012, with Essilor acquiring the company for an undisclosed amount. Jonathan Balester, who was also involved in the promotional products business, left a complex legacy entwined with family and business disputes now brought to a tragic resolution.
