Day: February 25, 2021

Lakewood, Ocean County

Lakewood Man Charged With Murder

February 25, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lakewood Township Police Chief Gregory Meyer announced that on February 25, 2021, Jahvontae Debose, 24, of Lakewood, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1) relative to the shooting death of Dajour Randolph during the evening hours of February 21, 2021.  

On February 21, 2021, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Lakewood Township Police were summoned to the area of Tudor Court in response to a 911 call regarding a male who had collapsed in the middle of the road.  Responding Officers found Dajour Randolph, 20, of Little Egg Harbor, with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.  Mr. Randolph was transported to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, in Lakewood, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.  On February 22, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Mr. Randolph’s body.  The Medical Examiner determined the cause of Mr. Randolph’s death to be multiple gunshot wounds, and ruled the manner of death to be homicide.

Debose was charged on February 23, 2021 with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5a(1); Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(11); Possession of more than Fifty Grams of Marijuana in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(3); Possession of a Firearm in the Course of Committing a Drug Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4.1a; Being a Certain Person not to Possess a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7b(1); and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C: 39-4a(1).  Debose was taken into custody without incident by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in Pleasantville, New Jersey, following a motor vehicle stop on February 23, 2021.  He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit between February 21, 2021 and February 25, 2021 revealed that Debose was, in fact, the individual responsible for Mr. Randolph’s death.  Dubose was served today in the Ocean County Jail with the complaint charging him with Mr. Randolph’s murder.

Anyone in possession of additional information concerning this investigation is urged to contact Detective Brant Uricks of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, or Detective Eric Cicerello of the Lakewood Township Police Department at 732-363-0200.

“Law enforcement officers at the local, county, state, and federal levels demonstrated outstanding teamwork in connection with this very deliberative and comprehensive investigation.  I am extremely grateful for their hard work and perseverance in expeditiously solving this horrendous and senseless crime,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Meyer commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center, Brick Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Pleasantville Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service, for their collective and collaborative efforts relative to this investigation, ultimately leading to Debose’ arrest and appropriate charges.

The press and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

  • Jahvontae Debose, 24
Jahvontae Debose, 24, of Lakewood, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1) relative to the shooting death of Dajour Randolph during the evening hours of February 21, 2021.  

Mercer County, Trenton

UPDATE: 60 Year Old Man Identified As Shooting Victim

February 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said this afternoon, “The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating a homicide that occurred on Home Avenue in Trenton. The victim found this morning has been identified as Lovelle Laramore, 60. Suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.”

This morning’s breaking news story here: BREAKING: Man shot and killed in Trenton, second homicide this week

This murder comes just three days after Trenton’s first homicide of 2021, where a double shooting killed one, injured another:

UPDATE: Double shooting in Trenton leaves one dead, one hospitalized

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

2020 was Trenton’s most deadliest homicide year on record and after a quiet couple of months two shootings within days of each other.

Names of 2021 homicide victims:

  1. 2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
  2. 2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, shooting

The names of the Trenton homicide victims of 2020:

Say their names:

  1. January 30, 2020, Starquasia Harris, 24, shooting
  2. February 16, 2020, Maurice London, 39, shooting
  3. March 23, 2020, Danavan Phillips, 37, shooting
  4. March 25, 2020, Yuell Moore, 29, shooting
  5. April 5, 2020 Quamiera Massey, 24, shooting
  6. April 5, 2020 Dabree Brannon, 30, shooting
  7. April 5, 2020 Frederick Mason, 20, shooting
  8. May 14, 2020, pronounced dead May 21, 2020 Terrence Horton, 53, shooting
  9. May 17, 2020, Robert Smith, 38, shooting
  10. May 18, 2020 Antwuan Bowens, 44, shooting
  11. May 18, 2020 Tayvion Jones, 18, shooting
  12. May 21, 2020 Raheen McKinnon 19, shooting
  13. May 23, 2020, Watson Cogdell, 58, shooting
  14.  May 30, 2020 Tyrone Campbell, 45, shooting
  15. June 2, 2020 Dontae Barnes, shooting
  16. June 21, 2020, Robert Neal, 34, stabbing
  17. July 1, 2020, Covvie Scott, 24, shooting
  18. July 8, 2020, Richard Guarderas, 18, shooting
  19. July 8, 2020, Malcom L. Bowser, 19, shooting 
  20. July 15, 2020, Jason Phillips, 23, shooting
  21. July 17, 2020, Luis Gonzalez, 37, shooting
  22. August 2, 2020 died August 5, 2020, Jolisa Marshall, 28, shooting (of Hamilton)
  23. August 9, 2020, William Irrizarry, 18, shooting
  24. August 9, 2020, Julius Vargas, 18, shooting
  25. August 17, 2020, Rahkeem Ortiz, 29, shooting
  26. August 21, 2020, pronounced dead August 22, Vernetta McCray, 39, drive by shooting
  27. August 25, 2020, Shamira Williams, 32, stabbing
  28. August 29, 2020, Tybree Washington, 24, shooting
  29. October 2, 2020, Hussain Abdullah, 35, shooting
  30. October 5, 2020, Derek Colley, 26, Shooting
  31. October 10, 2020, Ola Williams, 61, Shooting
  32. October 10, 2020, Jaquise Melvin, 26, Shooting
  33. October 16, 2020 from shooting on October 9, Rudy Alvira Jr.
  34. October 20, 2020, Johnny Perez, 8, Shooting
  35. October 20, 2020, Gustavo Perez, 16
  36. November 13, 2020, Sam Livingston III, age 41, stabbing
  37. November 17, 2020, Jeremy McTamney, 26, Shooting, Ties Trenton’s record of homicides in 2013.
  38. November 28, 2020, Daniel Alvaranga, 33, Stabbing
  39. November 29, 2020, Omar Billups, 37, Shooting
  40. December 8, 2020, Joel Alexander, 43, Shooting

Not in NJ but across the river in Falls Township, Pennsylvania May 24, 2020 Davon Frink, 25, shooting at a Holiday Inn Express at a Trenton party held there.

Mercer County, Trenton

Governor Murphy Announces Additional Appointments to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission

Maria Del Cid, William Wallace, and Sam Delgado to be Appointed to the CRC, Joining Commission Chair Dianna Houenou and Krista Nash

February 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Murphy today announced three additional appointments to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), completing the five-member commission after previously announcing the appointments of Commission Chair Dianna Houenou and Krista Nash. The Governor will appoint Maria Del Cid and William Wallace to the CRC. The Governor will also appoint Sam Delgado as a member of the Commission, upon the recommendation of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.

“As we move forward to establish a legal adult-use cannabis marketplace, we could not have a better slate of appointees to lead these efforts,” said Governor Murphy. “It will take time before we see legal adult-use sales begin, but I know that each and every one of these individuals will act to ensure that the marketplace for adult-use recreational cannabis is equitable, fair, and inclusive of all communities.”

“Sam Delgado’s professional and military service is outstanding and I strongly believe he is the best person to serve on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “Sam is an expert in the fields of community leadership, business management, strategic planning, supplier diversity and regulatory policy. He will bring these talents to the Commission and is a valued addition.”

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will both regulate New Jersey’s medical cannabis marketplace and also provide oversight for the soon-to-be-established adult-use recreational cannabis marketplace.

Maria Del Cid currently serves as the Director of Policy and Legislative Services at the New Jersey Department of Health, where she serves as a liaison with the Governor’s Office and to the Legislature. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff to the late Assemblyman Jerry Green. A resident of Union County, Ms. Del Cid received a Bachelor’s Degree from Seton Hall University. She holds an M.A. in Public Affairs and Politics from the Edward Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy at Rutgers University. She also holds an Associate’s Degree from Union County College, where she founded the Del Cid Dreamer Scholarship, which is awarded to full- or part-time students who are naturalized U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, DACA recipients, or undocumented immigrants pursuing higher education at Union County College. Ms. Del Cid is involved in many civic organizations throughout New Jersey, including Latino Caucus Coordinator for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.

William Wallace is the Director of the Professional Division of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union Local 342, where he also serves on the Executive Board. In this position, Mr. Wallace represents and serves union members across multiple companies in New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. He previously served as President of UFCW International Union Local 100R. Additionally, Mr. Wallace previously worked as a Pharmacist-In-Charge at several pharmacies across the state of New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Rutgers University College of Pharmacy and is a resident of Green Brook.

Sam Delgado most recently served as Vice President of External Affairs for Verizon, a position from which he retired in 2019. Before retiring, Mr. Delgado was responsible for managing the allocation of grants, supporting Verizon’s philanthropic endeavors, and furthering Verizon’s environmental commitments. In his 21 years at Verizon, Mr. Delgado also served as Director of Supplier Diversity, Director of External Affairs for Union and Middlesex Counties, and as a Human Resource Manager. Mr. Delgado served in the United States Marine Corp from 1978 to 2000, retiring as a Major. He also served as a Military Advisor to the U.S. State Department in Port-au-Prince, Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy from 1994 to 1995. He is a recipient of several military honors, including the National Defense Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Armed Forced Reserve Ribbon. A resident of Perth Amboy, Mr. Delgado has been engaged civically throughout his career. He currently serves on the Boards of Felician University, the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. He has previously served on Governor Murphy’s Transition Team, on the Board of the Newark Alliance, and as a Board Member of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. Mr. Delgado received his Bachelor’s Degree from Marist College.

Mercer County, Trenton

Update: 26 Year Old Trenton Man Succumbs To Injuries Sustained In Monday’s Accident On Route 29

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office reported to MidJersey.news that Desean Seale, 26 of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time ago from injuries from Monday’s accident. There are no updates to the investigation.

Earlier today the Prosecutor’s Office said: “On Monday, February 22, 2021 at 4:20 pm Trenton Police Officers responded to State Route 29 and Calhoun Street after receiving calls for a serious motor vehicle crash. Officers discovered an overturned vehicle and a victim in critical condition.  Early investigation indicates it was a one-vehicle collision with the driver/victim being the only occupant of the vehicle, a black BMW.  There were reports of the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed prior to the collision and there is no evidence that indicates any additional vehicles were involved.  It remains under investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team.”

Related MidJersey.news stories here:

Update: 26-year-old Man Remains In Critical Condition From Monday’s Accident On Rt. 29, Crash Remains Under Investigation

Serious crash at Rt.29 & Calhoun St under investigation

Hamilton, Mercer County

Hamilton Fire Department extinguish salvage yard fire

February 25, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Hamilton Fire Department was dispatched to 105 Paterson Avenue, First Class Auto Salvage, around 11:37 this morning on a reported vehicle fire.

The first due engine arrived on scene and reported a large pile of debris and vehicles on fire. Additional engines and an additional squad were requested to the scene. Multiple lines were stretched, quickly extinguishing the flames. No one was injured in the incident.

Hamilton’s Fire Marshall is investigating.

No further information is available.

Photos by David Henderson
Photo from Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters Facebook Page
Mercer County, Trenton

BREAKING: Man shot and killed in Trenton, second homicide this week

February 25, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

BREAKING NEWS REPORT: This report is based on radio reports and sources. Once more official information becomes available, the post will be updated.

TRENTON (MERCER)– The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office can confirm that a person was shot and killed this morning in the capital city, this being the second homicide in just three days.

Trenton Police were called out to a residence in the 500 block of Home Avenue around 10:00 am this morning. Authorities arrived and found a man dead with a gunshot wound to the head.

Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating.

Mercer County, Trenton

Update: 26-year-old Man Remains In Critical Condition From Monday’s Accident On Rt. 29, Crash Remains Under Investigation

February 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–According to Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Casey DeBlasio a 26-year-old man from Trenton, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

DeBlasio said: “On Monday, February 22, 2021 at 4:20 pm Trenton Police Officers responded to State Route 29 and Calhoun Street after receiving calls for a serious motor vehicle crash. Officers discovered an overturned vehicle and a victim in critical condition.  Early investigation indicates it was a one-vehicle collision with the driver/victim being the only occupant of the vehicle, a black BMW.  There were reports of the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed prior to the collision and there is no evidence that indicates any additional vehicles were involved.  It remains under investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Serious Collision Response Team.”

Related MidJersey.News story: Serious crash at Rt.29 & Calhoun St under investigation

State of NJ

Action to Promote Access to Mental Health Care for Frontline Healthcare Workers and Low-Income Individuals Announced

Mental Health Care Professionals Can Now Partially Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements with Volunteer Work

February 25, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–As part of the State’s efforts to expand access to mental health care during the COVID-19 public health emergency, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today announced that the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is taking action to encourage mental health care professionals to provide free services to New Jerseyans in need.
 Under an Administrative Order signed by Acting DCA Director Kaitlin A. Caruso, mental health professionals will be allowed to partially satisfy their continuing education requirements by providing free services to low income, uninsured individuals or frontline healthcare workers. The Order also allows mental health professionals to partially satisfy their continuing education requirements by volunteering with organizations that provide mental health services – including crisis intervention and referrals – to low-income, uninsured individuals or to individuals in crisis. A non-exhaustive list of such organizations is available on DCA’s website.
 “This week’s action by the Division of Consumer Affairs will make it easier for New Jersey residents who face mental health challenges to get help,” said Attorney General Grewal. “I commend the Division and the professional boards for coming together to find a way to promote access to care for those in need, including frontline healthcare workers experiencing stress related to their support of the COVID-19 response.”
 The Order allows mental health professionals to use hours spent providing eligible volunteer services to satisfy a portion of the continuing education credits required for license renewal, with the cap depending on the type of license they hold. Practitioners may offset one hour or one credit of continuing education for every two hours spent on eligible volunteer work. However, practitioners will not be able to offset continuing education requirements specifically allocated to required topics such as ethics, cultural competency, opioid prescribing, or jurisprudence.
 “By partially freeing up time for mental health care professionals this Order will make it easier for practitioners to give back during this time of crisis,” said Kaitlin A. Caruso, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We all want, at-risk residents to have more access to professional mental health care services at this time of need.”
 “The mental and emotional health effects caused by worry, stress or isolation related to coronavirus has hit especially hard those already suffering from mental health conditions and substance use disorders,” said Sharon Joyce, Director of the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES). “Increasing access to mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical for this vulnerable population and the State’s fight against the opioid epidemic.” “These have been difficult and stressful times, and we are committed to doing everything possible to expand access to mental health care across the state,” Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “This is another step to further improve access to mental health care for healthcare workers and individuals with lower incomes.” The caps on the number of continuing education contact hours or credits that may be offset by providing volunteer services were established by DCA in consultation with the presidents of the relevant professional boards:

  • A licensed marriage and family therapist may offset up to 20 contact hours;
  • A licensed associate marriage and family therapist may offset up to 10 contact hours;
  • A licensed professional counselor or licensed associate professional counselor may offset up to 20 contact hours;
  • A licensed rehabilitation counselor may offset up to 10 contact hours;
  • A licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor may offset up to 10 contact hours;
  • A certified alcohol and drug counselor may offset up to 15 contact hours;
  • A licensed art therapist may offset up to 10 contact hours;
  • A physician who provides psychiatric services may offset up to 10 Category I continuing medical education credits;
  • An advanced practice nurse who provides psychiatric services may offset up to 15 hours of continuing education;
  • A licensed psychologist may offset up to 10 credits of continuing education;
  • A State-certified psychoanalyst may offset up to 5 credits of continuing education; and
  • A licensed clinical social worker may offset up to 10 credits of continuing education.

The Order authorizing professionals to offset continuing education requirements with volunteer work will expire automatically at the end of the state of emergency or public health emergency, whichever is later, if not revoked or superseded earlier. Eligible volunteer services provided while the Order is in effect may be used to offset continuing education requirements in any biennial renewal period during which the Order remains in effect for more than one day. Additional information is available on DCA’s website. The Department of Law & Public Safety is committed to eliminating stigma around receiving mental health services. DCA encourages all healthcare professionals who wish to receive mental health services to do so without fear of jeopardizing their licenses. Similarly, the Attorney General has established the New Jersey Resiliency Program for Law Enforcement to ensure that law enforcement officers are provided with the tools they need to cope with the unique stressors of their jobs. NJMentalHealthCares is New Jersey’s behavioral health information and referral service. Trained staff are available to provide free emotional support seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling 1-866-202-HELP (4357), sending an email to help@njmentalhealthcares.org, or texting NJHOPE to 51864. Healthcare workers can call HEAL NJ Healthcare Workers help line for emotional support at 1-833-416-8773 and first responders can reach RISE NJ First Responders help line at 1-833-237-4325 for free and confidential assistance. Anyone can also call New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline at 1-855-NJHopeline (654-6735), or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.Those battling addiction, can contact ReachNJ at 1-844-ReachNJ. For emergencies, call 911.