Efrain Cruz Jr., of Freehold, also was charged with recklessly handling a firearm, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey.
The gun discharged on Sunday, June 19 during a small gathering Linskey said.
At approximately 8:32 p.m., Freehold Borough police were dispatched the 20 block of McDermott Street for a report of a gunshot victim. The victim was discovered with a single gunshot wound. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, Linskey said.
Cruz Jr. was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute pending a detention hearing.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Hammarstrom at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Borough Detective Samuel Hernandez at 732-462-1233.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano.
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