August 19, 2020

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 19, 2020, Anthony Barksdale, 26, of New York, was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., in connection with the murder of Steven Stallworth in Toms River on March 5, 2018.

Barksdale was found guilty of Murder on June 29, 2020 following a jury trial that commenced in early March of this year – prior to the onset of the novel coronavirus – which needed to be suspended due to health and safety concerns related to the pandemic. The jury also found Barksdale guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Person.

Prosecutor Billhimer extends his gratitude to Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy, who together tried the case on behalf of the State, for their skill and dedication in prosecuting this horrendous murder – particularly in light of the adverse conditions emanating from Covid-19. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective assistance which led to Barksdale’s arrest, conviction, and sentence to life in prison. Prosecutor Billhimer stated: “This was a brutal and senseless murder. I am beyond proud of the teamwork exhibited by members of my office, along with the other law enforcement agencies involved in solving this heinous crime, for their exceptional and combined efforts which ultimately resulted in this defendant being brought to justice.” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded: “It is my sincere hope that Barksdale being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole provides some measure of peace and closure to Mr. Stallworth’s family, who have been forced to endure needless and unspeakable suffering since that horrible day in March 2018. Justice has finally been accomplished in Steven’s name, and for his family.”

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