FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against an Asbury Park man who killed his girlfriend’s Poodle last year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.
Nicholas C. Winter, 36, is charged with third-degree Animal Cruelty Resulting in Death.
Shortly before 4 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to a residence on the 1400 block of Locust Drive on a report by an adult female that her boyfriend had killed her dog. Inside the residence, the responding officers located the deceased dog, a 12-year-old male named “Bentley.” The victim’s other dog, a 14-year-old female named “Sophia,” was reported missing, but found in the area several hours later.
An investigation led by Detective Anthony Houlis of the Asbury Park Police Department and Lt. Michael Magliozzo of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) determined that Winter had earlier repeatedly texted his girlfriend, threatening the welfare of her dogs, while she was at work. A necropsy performed on Bentley determined that he died due to blunt-force trauma to the head, neck, and body that ultimately resulted in a fatal traumatic brain injury. Winter was arrested and charged later in June 2022.
This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Keri Schaefer and Sevan Biramian. Winter is being represented by Tara Breslow-Testa, Esq., and Christopher D. Adams, Esq., both with an office in Red Bank. Convictions on third-degree criminal charges can be punishable by up to five years in state prison.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
TRENTON, NJ (Mercer) – Another day, another fire. At least that’s how it seems for city firefighters, who have been kept busy the last few weeks battling multiple working fires. This morning (Friday, March 3) they fought another blaze at 10 Cummings Place, located off Cummings Avenue near Chestnut Avenue.
It was 8:28 a.m. when Engines 7, 3, and 10, Ladder 2, and Rescue 1 were dispatched for a reported basement fire. While they were en route, Engine 3 spotted a column of smoke in the air and requested that the “All Hands” signal for a working fire be transmitted. That resulted in Engine 6, Ladder 4, and Special Services 1 being dispatched as the balance of the full first alarm. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke issuing from the rowhome. A hoseline was stretched and an aggressive interior attack made. Fire was located in the basement and was quickly knocked down, despite a mechanical issue that reportedly occurred with one of the fire apparatus that briefly complicated firefighting operations. Mechanical issues with the city’s aging apparatus fleet have caused concerns at other recent fires. This morning’s blaze was declared under control at 8:50 a.m. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 3, 2023, Michael Pillarella, 28, of Manahawkin, was found guilty of Manslaughter and Assault by Auto in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township during the evening hours of January 30, 2021. The crash resulted in the death of a female juvenile victim, and serious bodily injury to a second female juvenile victim. After a nearly three-week jury trial before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., the jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Pillarella recklessly caused the death of one victim, and recklessly operated a motor vehicle and caused serious bodily injury to the second victim. Pillarella is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ryan on May 5, 2023, at which time he faces up to 15 years New Jersey State Prison.
On January 30, 2021, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to the area of Radio Road and Baltusrol Court for a report of a two-vehicle crash with serious injuries. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Little Egg Harbor Police Department revealed that a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, operated by Pillarella, was traveling northbound on Radio Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, crossed over the centerline, and struck an oncoming 2006 Toyota XB travelling southbound on Radio Road. The Toyota XB was operated by a female juvenile; there was also a female juvenile passenger in the vehicle. As a result of the crash, both juveniles sustained serious injuries and were subsequently airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.
Pillarella was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Atlantic City for treatment of his injuries from the crash. A warrant was obtained for a draw of Pillarella’s blood. Pillarella was treated and signed himself out of the hospital against medical advice. Pillarella was initially issued several motor vehicle summonses in connection with the crash.
Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and Little Egg Harbor Police Department resulted in the filing of additional charges against Pillarella on February 1, 2021, for Aggravated Assault and Assault by Auto — two counts as to each offense relating to both juvenile victims. Pillarella was taken into custody without incident by officers from the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, and he has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest.
On February 9, 2021, the female juvenile passenger in the Toyota XB succumbed to the injuries she sustained as a result of the January 30, 2021 crash. She was pronounced deceased at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. As a consequence, the charges against Pillarella were upgraded to include Aggravated Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide relative to the passenger victim.
On February 15, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received the laboratory results in connection with Pillarella’s blood draw; those results revealed that Pillarella was under the influence of a combination of Alprazolam, Methadone, Fentanyl, and alcohol at the time of the crash, and that he was unfit to safely operate a motor vehicle on the roadways of the State of New Jersey. Additionally, further investigation revealed that Pillarella was operating his motor vehicle at an excessive rate of speed – approximately 80 miles per hour at the time of the crash.
Prosecutor Billhimer appreciates the diligence and dedication of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Robert Cassidy and Assistant Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara, who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts investigating this tragedy – ultimately resulting in today’s guilty verdicts.
FOUND GUILTY:
Michael Pillarella, 28, of Manahawkin, was found guilty of Manslaughter and Assault by Auto in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township during the evening hours of January 30, 2021. The crash resulted in the death of a female juvenile victim, and serious bodily injury to a second female juvenile victim.
Suspect Charged with 2 Counts of Attempted Murder for AmbushShooting of Troopers On Duty
March 3, 2023
TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick J. Callahan today announced the arrest of a man charged with opening fire on two on-duty New Jersey State Troopers in Paterson and hitting one, in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 2.
Jocquise R. Timmons, 28, of Paterson, was arrested in South Carolina today and charged with two counts of attempted murder (1st degree), four counts of aggravated assault (2nd and 3rd degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (2nd degree), and unlawful possession of a weapon (2nd degree). Timmons was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force and is being held pending extradition.
“Each and every day our New Jersey Troopers put their lives on the line to keep New Jerseyans safe from gun violence, but yesterday one of our own fell victim to the very crime he was working to prevent. Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of his colleagues, we announce the arrest of Jocquise Timmons, who is charged with the ambush and attempted murder of two New Jersey State Troopers as they performed their duty to protect and serve the residents of Paterson,” said Attorney General Platkin. “It was only by luck that the defendant only succeeded in injuring one Trooper, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, but is expected to make a full recovery. I thank the dedicated members of law enforcement in New Jersey and beyond who stepped up and answered our call for assistance in locating and apprehending this suspect, especially the U.S. Marshals Service who made the arrest. I also commend the fine and fast work of the New Jersey State Police under the leadership of Colonel Callahan. Thanks to everyone’s help, Jocquise Timmons will now be brought back to New Jersey to be held accountable for his violent acts.”
“The brazen ambush attack on our troopers put their lives at risk as well as the lives of Paterson residents. The assault represents not just an attack on law enforcement, but an attack on humanity,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “I applaud the efforts of our troopers, detectives, and law enforcement partners well beyond the borders of New Jersey for their relentless efforts in bringing Timmons to justice. We will continue in our efforts to ensure that everyone responsible for the attempted murder of a police officer will be held accountable for their actions.”
Timmons allegedly fired on two Troopers driving unmarked vehicles in the area of E 26th St and 9th Ave. shortly before 1 a.m. on Thursday. The bullets hit both vehicles and struck one of the Troopers in the leg. The Trooper, whose name has not been released due to safety concerns, was transported to Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery for his injury and is hoped to make a full recovery.
At the time of the shooting, the Troopers were investigating the attempted break-in of a home on East 26th Street hours earlier. Timmons was one of the suspects being sought in that attempted break-in. As the Troopers were attempted to follow a vehicle believed to be involved in the attempted break-in, surveillance footage from a fixed residential location in the area of E 26th St and 9th Ave captured a figure later identified as Timmons stepping out from behind a parked vehicle, assume a shooting stance, and opening fire on their vehicles.
The first-degree attempted murder charge carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, including a period of parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed, and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed or three years, whichever is greater. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
FREEHOLD, NJ – An Asbury Park man has been charged with torturing and killing his pet cat, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.
Bani J. Mezquititla, 18, is charged with Animal Cruelty by Tormenting, Torturing, or Unnecessarily or Cruelly Abusing a Living Animal, Resulting in its Death, and Animal Cruelty by Using or Causing or Procuring the Use of an Animal or Creature in Any Kind of Sexual Manner, both third-degree crimes.
An investigation into Mezquititla’s activities was initiated on Thursday, March 2, when a concerned citizen brought the body of a dead cat to Asbury Park Police Department headquarters.
Members of that agency and the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Humane Law Enforcement Division determined that the cat had belonged to Mezquititla, who is alleged to have first performed sexual acts on the animal, seriously injuring it. He is also alleged to have later restrained and tortured the cat, resulting in its death.
Mezquititla was located and arrested later on the same day the investigation was initiated, then transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a detention hearing tentatively scheduled to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court on Wednesday, March 8.
Anyone with information about this matter is urged to contact Asbury Park Police Detective Anthony Houlis at 732-502-4582, SPCA Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Michael Goldfarb at 732-542-0040, or SPCA Lt. Michael Magliozzo at 732-440-4538.
Convictions on criminal charges of this nature can be punishable by up to five years in state prison. This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Keri-Leigh Schaefer and Sevan Biramian. Information regarding Mezquititla’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Karla Townsend and Solomon Townsend are Celebrated for their Public Service
March 3, 2023
Trenton N.J. – Mayor Reed Gusciora celebrated a mother-son duo who serve in the Trenton Fire Department: Firefighters Karla Townsend and Solomon Townsend. At a press event, Mayor Gusciora and the Trenton City Council presented Karla Townsend with a proclamation to honor her service to the City of Trenton.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora stated, “Karla’s service has helped save the lives, livelihoods, and homes of numerous Trentonians over her storied career, and has helped preserve the city we call home. This track record of service has inspired her son Solomon: Together they are breaking barriers in fire service.”
Firefighter (FF) Karla Townsend, assigned to Engine 9 Platoon D, is a driver, pump operator, and NJ certified EMS first responder; she is the third woman to be hired as a firefighter in the City of Trenton’s history, and has served Trenton residents for the past 17 years. FF Solomon Townsend is a nozzle firefighter of Engine 3 Platoon D, and he is also an NJ certified EMS First Responder.
Trenton Fire Department Director Kenneth Douglas affirmed, “Our department is proud to have a mother-son duo, who are two of Trenton’s bravest, to protect our Capital City. Karla is a trailblazer for her family and her city: It is amazing that she has inspired her son, Solomon, to become a firefighter. I wish them both success in their careers: They are an inspiration not just to the City of Trenton, but throughout the fire service. I’m proud to call them Trenton’s bravest family.”
South Ward Councilwoman Jenna Figueroa Kettenburg remarked, “As we start Women’s History Month, we honor Karla Townsend, a hero in the Trenton Fire Department, and a role model for so many in the Capital City. Our first responders risk their lives to keep Trentonians safe; I’m proud to celebrate the Townsends and their incredible impact on the City of Trenton.”
AG’s Office Identifies Decedent Killed at Clara Barton Rest Stop on Feb. 28, 2023
March 3, 2023 – Updated March 4, 2023 (see below)
PEDRICKTOWN — The Attorney General’s Office today announced that the man who sustained a fatal injury in the presence of law enforcement on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at a New Jersey Turnpike Service Area in Salem County has died of his injuries.
Kyle Foggy, 29, of Cherry Hill, was pronounced dead at 10:16 p.m. that night at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware.
Mr. Foggy suffered a gunshot wound at approximately 1:45 p.m. at the Turnpike’s Clara Barton Service Areain the Pedricktown section of Oldmans Township, Salem County.
The incident involved members of the New Jersey State Police and the United States Marshals Service.
A review of the circumstances of the shooting is being conducted by the Integrity Bureau within the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4.
That review is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
Cherry Hill Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Woman in Lawnside
Lawnside, NJ- A Cherry Hill man has been charged for the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old woman in Lawnside on Saturday, February 25, 2023, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Lawnside Police Captain William Plenty.
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, at approximately 4:07 a.m., Lawnside Police officers and EMS responded to the 100 block of Mouldy Road in Lawnside, where they located a woman who had been shot. The victim was identified as 28-year-old Michelle Cruz of Lawnside. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following an investigation by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit, Kyle Foggy, 29, was charged with Murder, Unlawful possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
There is no threat to the public as the defendant is deceased.
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