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Berkeley Township, NJ

Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors
Man Who Strangled Wife, Dumped Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road Sentenced: Prosecutors A Forked River man will spend more than four decades in prison after he was convicted of strangling his wife to death and leaving her body on the side of a Monmouth County road, authorities said. Jeremy Cruz, 53, was sentenced to 50 years in state prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Sept. 13. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday, Apr. 24. Investigators said a driver saw 51-year-old Dawn Cruz with severe injuries on Colonial Avenue near the intersection with Asbury Avenue in Ocean Township …
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators An illegal and abandoned campfire started a massive wildfire that burned for three days in Ocean County, authorities said. Investigators determined the wildfire was accidentally started by "an unknown person(s) improperly extinguishing a campfire," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The roughly 189-acre wildfire burned near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. In its final update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the wildfire was 100 percent contained a…
Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (UPDATE) Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (UPDATE)
Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (Update) Smoke has diminished as a massive wildfire burned for a second day in Ocean County, officials said. The fire was first spotted at the Cedar Bridge fire tower at 4:44 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in an update. The roughly 189-acre wildfire was burning near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. Conditions have improved after "erratic fire behavior" caused problems for the first firefighters at the scene. "Fire crews continue to secure and reinforce containment lines by mopping up hot …
Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (DEVELOPING) Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (DEVELOPING)
Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (Developing) Firefighters were battling a massive wildfire in Ocean County that broke out late Monday, Sept. 9, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire was burning near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. The NJFFS first posted on Twitter about the wildfire at 7:30 p.m. Monday. As of Tuesday morning, the fire had been 20 percent contained to 150 acres, after spreading near Northern Boulevard in the Barnegat Pines neighborhood of Berkeley. "When firefighters arrived on scene initial attack efforts were unsuccessful due to erratic…
Sidewalk Pedestrian Airlifted After Being Struck By Man With History Of Careless Driving In NJ Sidewalk Pedestrian Airlifted After Being Struck By Man With History Of Careless Driving In NJ
Sidewalk Pedestrian Airlifted After Being Struck By Man With History Of Careless Driving In NJ A woman was flown to the hospital after a careless driver drove onto the sidewalk and struck her while she was walking her dog in an Ocean County town on Friday, Sept. 6, police said. Eugenio Carta of Berkeley Township was operating a 1999 Buick Sedan when he drove off the roadway, struck the victim walking her dog on the sidewalk, then came to rest after hitting a tree around 3 p.m. at the intersection on Doral Drive at Cohansey Drive, local police said. The woman suffered a head injury from the crash and was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center where she was in critical but stable con…
Lightning Strike Confirmed Cause Of Death For 59-Year-Old 'Cowboy Hero' On NJ Beach Lightning Strike Confirmed Cause Of Death For 59-Year-Old 'Cowboy Hero' On NJ Beach
Lightning Strike Confirmed Cause Of Death For 59-Year-Old 'Cowboy Hero' On NJ Beach A Toms River man died from a lightning strike on an Ocean County beach, authorities said. A Seaside Park Police Department spokesperson confirmed to Daily Voice that 59-year-old Patrick Dispoto's cause of death was accidental and caused by a lightning strike. He was found unconscious on the beach near J Street at around 7:38 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. Police said Dispoto had no visible signs of injuries. He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Dispoto's girlfriend Ruth said he tried to warn a group of children on the beach about the thunderstorm aft…
'Cowboy Hero' Dies After Lightning Strike While Warning Kids On NJ Beach About Storm: Reports 'Cowboy Hero' Dies After Lightning Strike While Warning Kids On NJ Beach About Storm: Reports
'Cowboy Hero' Dies After Lightning Strike While Warning Kids On NJ Beach About Storm: Reports A Toms River man died after a reported lightning strike on an Ocean County beach, authorities said. Patrick Dispoto, 59, was found unconscious on the beach near J Street at around 7:38 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, a Seaside Park Police Department spokesperson told Daily Voice. He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police said Dispoto had no visible signs of injuries. There were also no witnesses so investigators haven't confirmed if his death was caused by lightning or "another medical issue." Dispoto's girlfriend Ruth said he tried to warn a group of children on the b…
Wild Street Brawl Sends Jersey Shore Repeat Offender, Officers To Hospital Wild Street Brawl Sends Jersey Shore Repeat Offender, Officers To Hospital
Wild Street Brawl Sends Jersey Shore Repeat Offender, Officers To Hospital A repeat offender from Toms River who was high on PCP fought violently with police who kept him from running into traffic outside a 7-Eleven in North Jersey, authorities said. The incident was another in a recent series of episodes involving Albert P. Fischetta III, 40, whose violent reaction sent two officers – and himself – to the hospital, they said. Fischetta had been freed after police in Berkeley Township said he attacked an elderly man while not wearing any clothes last fall, records show. This time, his girlfriend told police in Hasbrouck Heights (Bergen County) that Fischetta sudd…
Man Convicted Of Strangling Wife, Dumping Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road: Prosecutors Man Convicted Of Strangling Wife, Dumping Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road: Prosecutors
Man Convicted Of Strangling Wife, Dumping Body On Side Of Jersey Shore Road: Prosecutors A Forked River man was convicted of strangling his wife to death and leaving her body on the side of a Monmouth County road, authorities said. A jury found 53-year-old Jeremy Cruz guilty of first-degree murder. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced the conviction in a news release on Friday, Apr. 26. A driver saw 51-year-old Dawn Cruz with severe injuries on Colonial Avenue near the intersection with Asbury Avenue in Ocean Township just after 1 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. Ocean Township police found her and she was pronounced dead at the scen…
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing An Ocean County ex-convict and parolee once featured on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" will spend more than a decade in prison after admitting to his role in the stabbing death of another man, authorities said. Angelo Grenci, 47, of Berkeley Township, was sentenced on Friday, Apr. 19 to 20 years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 29 to aggravated manslaughter in the killing of 50-year-old Carlton Williams of Seaside Heights. Toms River and Berkeley Township police responded to RWJBarnabas C…
Two Jersey Shore School Districts Could Merge After OK From State Officials Two Jersey Shore School Districts Could Merge After OK From State Officials
Two Jersey Shore School Districts Could Merge After OK From State Officials New Jersey's top education officials have signed-off on a referendum for a merger between two school districts. On Friday, March 8, Acting New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer approved Seaside Heights merging with the Toms River Regional school district. The Central Regional School District had petitioned against the merger, but Dehmer said that Seaside Heights is closer in proximity to Toms River, so transportation will be cheaper and more time-efficient. He also said the merger would be unlikely to "increase or exacerbate the segregation of students by racial, …
Manasquan HS Sues NJSIAA To Overturn Basketball Playoff Loss On Blown Call: 'We Want Answers' Manasquan HS Sues NJSIAA To Overturn Basketball Playoff Loss On Blown Call: 'We Want Answers'
Manasquan HS Sues Njsiaa To Overturn Basketball Playoff Loss On Blown Call: 'We Want Answers' After its last-second playoff win was taken away by a referee mistake, a Jersey Shore high school boys basketball team is in another race against the clock. Manasquan High School has filed a lawsuit to block the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) from holding its Group 2 state championship game at noon on Saturday, Mar. 9.  @dailyvoicenewjersey Manasquan High School has filed a lawsuit to block the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) from holding its Group 2 state championship game at noon on Saturday, Mar. 9. The …
NJSIAA Admits Ref Made Mistake But Won't Overturn NJ School's Basketball Playoff Loss (VIDEO) NJSIAA Admits Ref Made Mistake But Won't Overturn NJ School's Basketball Playoff Loss (VIDEO)
Njsiaa Admits Ref Made Mistake But Won't Overturn NJ School's Basketball Playoff Loss (Video) New Jersey's high school sports' governing body admitted referees mistakenly negated a game-winning buzzer-beater. It cost a Jersey Shore boys basketball team a chance to defend its state championship. And yet, they won't reverse it. The Manasquan Big Blue and the Camden Panthers played in the Group 2 semifinals of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) playoffs on Tuesday, Mar. 5. Video from MaxPreps and the Twitter account Hoop Fiends showed the controversial final 5.8 seconds at Central Regional High School in Berkeley Township. With the …
Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Flea Market In Monmouth County Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Flea Market In Monmouth County
Witnesses Stop Machete-Wielding Man At Flea Market In Monmouth County A Berkeley Township man was accused of using a machete to threaten someone at a Monmouth County flea market, authorities said. The 39-year-old Bayville man went into the Collingwood Auction and Flea Market with the large blade at around 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb, 24, Howell Township police said in a news release. Investigators said the man was confronting a 40-year-old Neptune man over money owed for car repairs. Several witnesses stopped the argument from turning into a physical fight and the machete was never used. The man drove away without getting any money. The man was arrested at aroun…
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore communities are getting $100 million in state grants to make crucial repairs to their boardwalk, officials said. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure." In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant. …
Driver Rescued 500 Feet Into Water Near Jersey Shore Marina: Police Driver Rescued 500 Feet Into Water Near Jersey Shore Marina: Police
Driver Rescued 500 Feet Into Water Near Jersey Shore Marina: Police A woman was rescued after sending her car into waters near an Ocean County marina, authorities said. Berkeley Township police responded to the area of Mill Creek Drive for a vehicle in the waterway near Shore Point Marina on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at around 8:15 p.m. Officers saw a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe about 500 feet in the water and a woman was sitting on the SUV's hood. The 66-year-old woman from Bayville was rescued by Bayville firefighters and taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River. Investigators said the crash happened after the woman had an "apparent medical emergency" w…
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Pleads Guilty In Deadly Stabbing NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Pleads Guilty In Deadly Stabbing
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Pleads Guilty In Deadly Stabbing An Ocean County ex-convict and parolee once featured on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" admitted to his role in the stabbing death of a Seaside Heights man, authorities said. Angelo Grenci, 47, of Berkeley Township, pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 29 to aggravated manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Grenci was charged in the killing of 50-year-old Carlton Williams. Prosecutors will pursue a prison sentence of 25 years for Grenci. He'd have to serve 85 percent of his term before being eligible for parole under the state's No Early Release…
SWAT Raid Turns Up Heroin, Meth, Ammo; 4 Arrested In Ocean County: Prosecutor SWAT Raid Turns Up Heroin, Meth, Ammo; 4 Arrested In Ocean County: Prosecutor
SWAT Raid Turns Up Heroin, Meth, Ammo; 4 Arrested In Ocean County: Prosecutor The raid of an Ocean County home turned up heroin, methamphetamine and ammunition, leading to the arrest of four people, authorities said. This investigation identified a residence in Berkeley Township as being utilized by Anthony Isola, 49, of Bayville, to store and sell drugs, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Based upon reliable information received, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Berkeley Township Police Department initiated surveillance on the subject residence in Bayville on Tuesday, Oct. 24. That's when…
Police ID Victims Of Triple Fatal Lakewood Crash Police ID Victims Of Triple Fatal Lakewood Crash
Police ID Victims Of Triple Fatal Lakewood Crash Authorities have released the identities of two of the three people killed in a Lakewood crash over the weekend. Jayla Ortiz, 23, of Lakewood, Ceasia Jefferson, 24, of Neptune Township, and a 17-year-old boy from Lanoka Harbor, were killed in the Saturday, Oct. 7 crash on New Hampshire and Cedar Bridge avenues, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. A 2009 Honda Accord being operated by Ortiz was carrying Mylani Theibault, 18, Lakewood — who was seated in the front passenger seat — Alexis Holloway, 23, of Berkeley Township, Ceasia Jefferson, 24, of Neptune, a…
$16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire $16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire
$16K Raised After Family Killed In Ocean County Fire More than $16,000 had been raised as of Thursday, Aug. 3 for those grieving the loss of four people including two children killed in a Lacey Township house fire this week. John Mulligan, an uncle of 14-year-old Angel Allan, one of those killed in the fire on Tuesday, Aug. 1, organized one GoFundMe for the family A second campaign was launched to aid Daniel Wright, the brother of two of the victims. Angel's mother, Melanie, and sister, Hailey, were running errands when the home caught fire, according to Mulligan of Berkeley Township. Also killed were Angel's aunts, Jennifer Wright, 39, and …
Victim Of Dishwasher FIre ID'd By Authorities In Ocean County Victim Of Dishwasher FIre ID'd By Authorities In Ocean County
Victim Of Dishwasher FIre ID'd By Authorities In Ocean County The 77-year-old victim of a fire caused by a faulty dishwasher has been identified. Janet Conroy died in the fire at her home at 1 Miles Pond Road in Berkeley Township on Thursday, July 20, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. At approximately 1:50 p.m., the Berkeley Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Fire Departments were dispatched to the fire. During fire suppression efforts, Conroy's body was found in the dining room of the structure, Billhimer said. An investigation determined that the fire originated in the kitchen of the struc…
Alleged Crack Dealer Stole Doctor's Prescription Pads On Jersey Shore: Police Alleged Crack Dealer Stole Doctor's Prescription Pads On Jersey Shore: Police
Alleged Crack Dealer Stole Doctor's Prescription Pads On Jersey Shore: Police An accused dealer of crack cocaine who worked for a doctor's office allegedly stole and forged blank prescriptions in Ocean County, authorities said. On Friday July 14, the Brick Township Street Crimes Unit made a warranted search at a residence in Berkeley Township, police said. Detectives were investigating Candace Colbert, 60, from Berkeley Township, who was suspected of stealing RX prescription blanks from a doctor’s office where she was employed in Brick Township, police said. The investigation revealed that beginning in March 2022, Colbert forged and fraudulently passed 36 Rx scripts…
Proposed Improvements To Parkway Exits Could Make Trip To Jersey Shore Better Proposed Improvements To Parkway Exits Could Make Trip To Jersey Shore Better
Proposed Improvements To Parkway Exits Could Make Trip To Jersey Shore Better A trip to the Jersey Shore might be a little less stressful by the end of this decade. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority is proposing a series of improvements on the Garden State Parkway from Milepost 80 to Milepost 83 in Ocean County. The project would go through Beachwood, South Toms River, Berkeley Township and Toms River. Drivers, residents, and other stakeholders are invited to watch this 18-minute presentation to learn about the proposed improvements between Mileposts 80 and 83 on the Garden State Parkway. New Jersey Turnpike Authority The project includes the addition of two ra…
NO PAROLE: Ex-NJ Trooper Gets 5 Years For Using ID To Skate From Traffic Stops While Suspended NO PAROLE: Ex-NJ Trooper Gets 5 Years For Using ID To Skate From Traffic Stops While Suspended
NO Parole: Ex-NJ Trooper Gets 5 Years For Using ID To Skate From Traffic Stops While Suspended UPDATE: A disgraced former New Jersey State Police sergeant was sentenced to five years in prison without parole after a jury convicted him of using an ID card to get out of a string of Jersey Shore traffic stops while he was suspended from the force. Ex-NJSP Sgt. Marc Dennis, 51, of Waretown, also must forfeit his pension and cannot be publicly employed in New Jersey ever again, state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. Dennis shouldn’t have had the identification card in his possession after being relieved of his authority during the suspension, Platkin said. The 17-year department…
'White Lives Matter Too': Man Charged With Smoke Bombing, Pepper Spraying Asbury Church Event 'White Lives Matter Too': Man Charged With Smoke Bombing, Pepper Spraying Asbury Church Event
'White Lives Matter Too': Man Charged With Smoke Bombing, Pepper Spraying Asbury Church Event An Ocean County man was charged with throwing smoke bombs and trying to pepper-spray attendees of an anti-racism concert at an Asbury Park church while shouting "White lives matter, too," authorities announced. Nicholas G. Mucci, 28, of Toms River was wearing a black face covering on Jan. 28 as he blocked attendees from leaving a concert organized by a social justice organization known as the One People's Project at the Trinity Episcopal Parish on Asbury Avenue, state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “White lives matter, too,” he shouted while tossing two smoke bombs toward the cro…
NJ Police Sergeant Dies Suddenly: 'He Was A Mentor To Many' NJ Police Sergeant Dies Suddenly: 'He Was A Mentor To Many'
NJ Police Sergeant Dies Suddenly: 'He Was A Mentor To Many' The Berkeley Township Police Department is mourning the loss of Sgt. William Cullen. The former US Marine was a 22-year member of the Berkeley Township PD, and died "suddenly," his department announced Friday, Feb. 17. Cullen began in the patrol division before he was reassigned to the detective bureau in 2007. His duties included general investigations, property and evidence, and Megans Law.  Cullen was known for his tenacity, his compassion and was known and respected statewide for his investigative prowess. In 2015, Cullen was promoted and was assigned as a patrol supervisor.…
Devoted Jersey Shore Mom, Certified Medical Assistant Dies At 21 Devoted Jersey Shore Mom, Certified Medical Assistant Dies At 21
Devoted Jersey Shore Mom, Certified Medical Assistant Dies At 21 Devoted Jersey Shore mother and Certified Medical Assistant Madison Reigle died at her home in Berkeley Township on Sunday, Sept. 4. She was 21. Born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Madison grew up East Brunswick before settling in Berkeley Township, her obituary says. Madison attended Ocean County Community College, where she was proud to finish the Certified Medical Assistant program, her memorial says. Madison embraced her role as a dedicated mother to her young daughter, Jaliyah Bey. She was also remembered as a loving and caring daughter, sister, and granddaughter. In addition to he…
73 Beach Patrol Violations Found On Jersey Shore By NJ Labor Department 73 Beach Patrol Violations Found On Jersey Shore By NJ Labor Department
73 Beach Patrol Violations Found On Jersey Shore By NJ Labor Department Prompted by two lifeguard deaths, the New Jersey Department of Labor recently inspected beach patrols across the Jersey Shore. The department found 73 violations of safety and recordkeeping rules including 44 in Ocean County. The lifeguard deaths were in August 2021. Norman Inferrera III, 16, died after his patrol surfboat capsized in Cape May at Reading Avenue Beach, and Keith Pinto, 19, died after he was struck by lightning at White Sands Beach in Berkeley Township. The beaches have been renamed after the lifeguards. Compliance officers from NJDOL’s Office of Public Employees Occupa…
Jersey Shore Park Where Rabid Fox Was Reopens Jersey Shore Park Where Rabid Fox Was Reopens
Jersey Shore Park Where Rabid Fox Was Reopens A state park closed the past week due to a rabid fox has reopened, officials said. Double Trouble State Park in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township had been closed since Monday, Aug. 29 due to the rabid fox's "encounters" with park visitors, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Animals live only about a week after contracting rabies,, the DEP said. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife was taking steps to address the situation, the DEP said in a statement last week, saying the park was closed out of an "abundance of caution." Animals infected with rabies will displa…
Jersey Shore Man Admits Beating 87-Year-Old Woman With Golf Club, Robbing Her: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Admits Beating 87-Year-Old Woman With Golf Club, Robbing Her: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Admits Beating 87-Year-Old Woman With Golf Club, Robbing Her: Prosecutor A man from the Jersey Shore has admitted to beating an 87-year-old woman with a golf club and then ripping gold chains from her neck, authorities said.  David Steen, 54, of Marlton pleaded guilty to the robbery and aggravated assault on April 14, according to  Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On Sept. 23, 2019,  Berkeley Township police were called to an Urgent Care facility in Lacey Township for a report of a robbery and assault that occurred earlier in the day at Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley Township, Billhimer said. An investigatio…
Jersey Shore Man Admits Robbing Wawa, Shoprite, 7-Eleven, Other Stores: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Admits Robbing Wawa, Shoprite, 7-Eleven, Other Stores: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Admits Robbing Wawa, Shoprite, 7-Eleven, Other Stores: Prosecutor A Jersey Shore man has pleaded guilty to robbing several stores and burglarizing a home, authorities said. Thomas Jann, 34, of Beachwood, pled guilty to six counts of robbery and one count of burglary, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.  The string of alleged crimes occurred between July 27, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020, in Toms River,  Berkeley Township and Beachwood, the prosecutor said. The State will seek a term of 16 years in New Jersey State Prison when Jann is sentenced on Jan. 14, 2022. A joint investigation between the Toms River, Berke…