NJ Woman Confesses To Killing Toms River Man In Grisly Dismemberment Case: Prosecutors NJ Woman Confesses To Killing Toms River Man In Grisly Dismemberment Case: Prosecutors
NJ Woman Confesses To Killing Toms River Man In Grisly Dismemberment Case: Prosecutors A Seaside Heights woman has admitted to killing a Toms River man whose body was dismembered, authorities said. Elizabeth Mascarelli, 29, pleaded guilty on Monday, Dec. 9 to aggravated manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. She was previously indicted on Thursday, Oct. 24 for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hindering apprehension, desecration of human remains, and eight weapons charges. Mascarelli was among the four people charged in the killing of 56-year-old Kerry Rollason. Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; Jared …
Teaneck Drunk Driver Busted Following Pursuit: Denville PD Teaneck Drunk Driver Busted Following Pursuit: Denville PD
Teaneck Drunk Driver Busted Following Pursuit: Denville PD A 34-year-old Teaneck man was arrested and charged with drunk driving after leading Denville police on a pursuit on Saturday, Dec. 7, authorities said. Officers responded to Route 80 West and observed a vehicle driven by Daniel Hernandez-Gutierrez exhibiting behaviors indicative of drinking and driving, Denville police said. Hernandez-Gutierrez refused to stop and led police on a pursuit, officers said. Hernandez-Gutierrez eventually stopped and was removed from the vehicle and police determined he was under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotics, officers said. An expendable baton …
Two Football Coaches Among 6 Dead In Newark Wreck (UPDATE) Two Football Coaches Among 6 Dead In Newark Wreck (UPDATE)
Two Football Coaches Among 6 Dead In Newark Wreck (Update) The New Jersey high school football community is mourning the loss of two Hudson Catholic coaches who were among six people killed in a fiery crash in Newark over the weekend, officials said. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop confirmed in a statement on X that two of the victims were Hudson Catholic football coaches. They were later identified as head coach Lamar McKnight and assistant coach Brad Cunningham, according to various news outlets and high school sports teams. McKnight, a Jersey City native, took over as Hudson Catholic’s head coach last December. A standout athlete at Lincoln High …
Franklin Lakes House Fire Kills Two Cats, Resident Treated For Smoke Inhalation: FD Franklin Lakes House Fire Kills Two Cats, Resident Treated For Smoke Inhalation: FD
Franklin Lakes House Fire Kills Two Cats, Resident Treated For Smoke Inhalation: FD A Franklin Lakes home has been declared uninhabitable after a fire broke out on Saturday morning, Dec. 7, killing two cats and leaving a resident with smoke inhalation, authorities said. Click here for photos of the fire. The Franklin Lakes Fire Department was dispatched after 911 callers reported smoke coming from the house, according to police. Upon arrival, officers confirmed a working structure fire, prompting Chief of Department Chuck Bohny to call for additional alarms to bring in support from neighboring towns. Franklin Lakes EMS treated a resident for smoke inhalation at the scene,…
PA Motorcyclist, 24, Killed In NJ Turnpike Crash: State Police PA Motorcyclist, 24, Killed In NJ Turnpike Crash: State Police
PA Motorcyclist, 24, Killed In NJ Turnpike Crash: State Police A 24-year-old motorcyclist from Pennsylvania was killed in a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike Friday night, Dec. 6, state police said. Troopers responded to the northbound inner roadway near milepost 77 in South Brunswick at approximately 7:48 p.m. following a report of a crash, officials said. A preliminary investigation revealed that Torbjorn Vetland, of Stroudsburg, PA, was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on the right shoulder when he struck the guardrail, causing the motorcycle to overturn. Vetland was ejected from the bike and died, state police said. The crash remains …
MASS CASUALTY: Six Dead When Vehicle Goes Airborne, Catches Fire In Newark MASS CASUALTY: Six Dead When Vehicle Goes Airborne, Catches Fire In Newark
Mass Casualty: Six Dead When Vehicle Goes Airborne, Catches Fire In Newark The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating a devastating crash that left six people dead late Friday night, Dec. 6, in Newark, authorities said. UPDATE: Hudson Catholic Football Coaches Among Two Dead In Fiery Newark Crash The crash occurred at approximately 10:47 p.m. at the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Blanchard Street.  A vehicle carrying six individuals was traveling on Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1&9 Southbound on-ramp when it veered off the roadway, became airborne, and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway, a spokesperson for the prosecut…
Assault Weapons, High-Capacity Mags Seized From NJ Man Busted With 31K Child Porn Files: Cops Assault Weapons, High-Capacity Mags Seized From NJ Man Busted With 31K Child Porn Files: Cops
Assault Weapons, High-Capacity Mags Seized From NJ Man Busted With 31K Child Porn Files: Cops A former Bergen County parking enforcement agent found with more than 31,100 child pornography files last month was also found with a high-capacity magazine and assault riels, authorities said Friday, Dec. 6. A court-authorized search of Benjamin P. Ritter's Washington Township home on Thursday, Dec. 5 turned up the following, according to township police: Smith & Wesson AR 10 with folding stock and pistol grip Smith and Wesson AR 15 with folding stock and pistol grip Eighteen (18) 30 Round High–Capacity Magazines Six (6) 20 Round High–Capacity Magazines One (1) 25 Round High–Capacity …
Romanian Duo Charged in $289K Bitcoin-For-Fake-Gold Cryptocurrency Scam In Bergen County Romanian Duo Charged in $289K Bitcoin-For-Fake-Gold Cryptocurrency Scam In Bergen County
Romanian Duo Charged in $289K Bitcoin-For-Fake-Gold Cryptocurrency Scam In Bergen County A year-long investigation has led to charges against two Romanian men accused of orchestrating a cryptocurrency scam involving fake gold and Bitcoin valued at approximately $289,000, and a Bergen County victim, authorities said. The suspects, 33-year-old Ciprian A. Tiber and 43-year-old Ahmed Zarei, remain at large and are believed to have returned to Romania following the alleged fraudulent transaction in September 2023, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced. The investigation began when Hasbrouck Heights police contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crime…
Secret Rutgers Drug Network Exposed: Seven Arrested In Undercover Bust, Prosecutors Say Secret Rutgers Drug Network Exposed: Seven Arrested In Undercover Bust, Prosecutors Say
Secret Rutgers Drug Network Exposed: Seven Arrested In Undercover Bust, Prosecutors Say A covert social media network used by Rutgers University students to buy and sell drugs led to seven arrests following a months-long investigation, authorities said. The seven were arrested as part of the "Operation RU Pharm" investigation, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a news release on Thursday, Dec. 5. The undercover operation exposed a private social media network used by Rutgers students to distribute and purchase drugs. Investigators said they uncovered the online platform created by a former Rutgers student. Dealers posted menus of drugs for students w…
Video Shows Unlicensed NJ Bartender's DUI Arrest After Crash Video Shows Unlicensed NJ Bartender's DUI Arrest After Crash
Video Shows Unlicensed NJ Bartender's DUI Arrest After Crash A New Jersey bartender is facing a slate of charges, including DUI and driving without a license, after police spotted her driving erratically following a crash she had been involved in last month, according to police papers obtained by Daily Voice. The 37-minute bodycam footage of the arrest, published by Transparency Bodycam, shows 33-year-old Melissa Hoffman’s erratic behavior during the field sobriety tests and her emotional outburst in the back of the patrol car during her arrest on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Those who know Hoffman, of Cranford, describe her as a dedicated pillar of the Cra…
Clifton SWAT Standoff Ends After 4 Hours Clifton SWAT Standoff Ends After 4 Hours
Clifton SWAT Standoff Ends After 4 Hours A SWAT situation in Clifton ended peacefully Thursday evening, Dec. 5, after a four-hour standoff, authorities said. Have photos? Email clevine@dailyvoice.com The incident began as a welfare check on a resident at a home near Valley Road and Belgrade Avenue, Clifton Police Lt. Robert Anderson said. Officers arrived in the afternoon and became concerned for the individual’s well-being, but the person refused to cooperate, Anderson said. “For safety reasons, officers requested additional resources as a precaution,” Anderson added. The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, including SWAT and nego…
Video Shows Van Explosion That Caused Gridlock On Main Morris County Roadway Video Shows Van Explosion That Caused Gridlock On Main Morris County Roadway
Video Shows Van Explosion That Caused Gridlock On Main Morris County Roadway Daily Voice has obtained footage of a van fire, including a minor explosion, that closed a Morris County intersection on Thursday, Dec. 5 (scroll for video). The incident occurred on Route 10 in Randolph near Denville, just past the Mount Pleasant Turnpike, and involved a painter’s van, according to Denville Police Capt. Scott Welsch. The van's driver had pulled over after noticing smoke and entered a nearby business to seek help, Welsch said. A passerby spotted the van in flames and called 911. When a Denville police officer arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The Denville …
Undercover Prostitution Sting At NJ Spas Nets 4 Arrests, Nearly $9.5K Seized Undercover Prostitution Sting At NJ Spas Nets 4 Arrests, Nearly $9.5K Seized
Undercover Prostitution Sting At NJ Spas Nets 4 Arrests, Nearly $9.5K Seized Authorities dismantled a prostitution operation at two Passaic County spas, arresting four people and seizing nearly $9,500 in suspected proceeds, officials announced Wednesday, Dec. 5. The operation conducted on Tuesday, Dec. 3, began after concerned residents tipped off authorities about suspicious activities at the New Paterson Massage & Coco Healthy Spa on McBride Avenue in Paterson and the Eastern Cozy Spa on Overmount Avenue in Woodland Park, Sheriff Thomas Adamo said. Undercover detectives conducting surveillance at the locations reported being offered sexual acts, Adamo sai…
Widow Of FDNY Lt. Who Died In Apartment Fire Located Hours After Going Missing Widow Of FDNY Lt. Who Died In Apartment Fire Located Hours After Going Missing
Widow Of Fdny Lt. Who Died In Apartment Fire Located Hours After Going Missing The Long Island widow of a late FDNY lieutenant who died in a double fatal fire decades ago was located hours after relatives reported her missing. Susan Blackmore, age 68, of South Farmingdale, had last been seen leaving her Plitt Avenue residence at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, Nassau County Police said. At around 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, her sister Jeanne Santora informed her Facebook followers that Blackmore had been found and was safe. “Thank you everyone,” she wrote. No other details were given. News of Blackmore’s disappearance quickly gained traction on social media, where…
27-Year-Old Dies Day After Lyndhurst House Fire (UPDATE) 27-Year-Old Dies Day After Lyndhurst House Fire (UPDATE)
27-Year-Old Dies Day After Lyndhurst House Fire (Update) A 27-year-old man has died one day after he was found by firefighters outside of his bedroom as a fire ripped through his Lyndhurst home, authorities said. The two-alarm blaze that killed Ahmed Abidar broke out just before 5:34 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at a multi-family home on Jay Avenue, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Lyndhurst police and firefighters, with mutual aid from surrounding departments, responded to find flames engulfing the residence, officials said. During fire suppression efforts, first responders evacuated Abidar from the third floor of the home. He was unrespons…
Driver Hospitalized After Car Overturns In Crash With DOT Truck On Route 80 In Bergen County Driver Hospitalized After Car Overturns In Crash With DOT Truck On Route 80 In Bergen County
Driver Hospitalized After Car Overturns In Crash With DOT Truck On Route 80 In Bergen County A crash involving a Ford passenger vehicle and a DOT truck on Route 80 left one person hospitalized this week in Bergen County, police said. Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash in the westbound lanes at milepost 63 in Saddle Brook Township, at 1:43 p.m. on Dec. 5, NJSP Trooper Jeffrey Lebron said. A preliminary investigation revealed that a Ford passenger vehicle struck the rear of a Department of Transportation (DOT) truck, causing the Ford to overturn. The driver of the Ford sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, police reported. No other injuries were …
BREAKING: Baby Found Dead In Wayne, Prosecutor Says BREAKING: Baby Found Dead In Wayne, Prosecutor Says
Breaking: Baby Found Dead In Wayne, Prosecutor Says A 7-month-old baby was found dead in Wayne on Wednesday, Dec. 4, authorities said. Wayne police officers were called to Route 23 and Ratzer Road around 1:40 p.m. on reports of a deceased infant, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wayne Police Deputy Chief Joseph Rooney said. Upon arrival, the police located a possible crime scene and a 7- 7-month-old infant, who was subsequently pronounced dead. It was not immediately clear where exactly the harrowing discovery was made. The investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released once it becomes avail…
Paterson Cop Exposes Himself To Child: Police Paterson Cop Exposes Himself To Child: Police
Paterson Cop Exposes Himself To Child: Police A Paterson police officer has been arrested and charged with lewdness and endangering the welfare of a child after an incident involving a juvenile, Bloomfield Police said. Angel Acevedo, 31, of Newark, was taken into custody on Monday, Dec. 2, after officers responded to reports of an adult male exposing himself to a juvenile on Franklin Street, local police said. Police said the juvenile was walking home when Acevedo allegedly called out from a vehicle and exposed himself. He then fled the area in his vehicle, authorities said. Officers quickly located the suspect’s vehicle, and the juve…
Exxon Workers Disarm Masked Gunman In Attempted Route 23 Armed Robbery: Police Exxon Workers Disarm Masked Gunman In Attempted Route 23 Armed Robbery: Police
Exxon Workers Disarm Masked Gunman In Attempted Route 23 Armed Robbery: Police A masked man who attempted to rob a Passaic County gas station at gunpoint was arrested after employees fought him off and wrestled the weapon away, police said. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at the Exxon Gas Station on Route 23 South, according to New Milford police. The suspect, later identified as Cole Labita, of Oak Ridge in Jefferson Township, entered the station with a firearm and demanded cash from the register, police said. A scuffle broke out between Labita and the employees, spilling into the parking lot, where the employees managed to …
Former NJ Corrections Officer Confesses To Beating Resident Who Died From Stroke, AG Says Former NJ Corrections Officer Confesses To Beating Resident Who Died From Stroke, AG Says
Former NJ Corrections Officer Confesses To Beating Resident Who Died From Stroke, AG Says A former New Jersey corrections officer admitted to assaulting a resident who died several days after the attack, authorities said. Giuseppe Mandara of Brick Township pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 3 to third-degree aggravated assault, Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the state's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Mandara confessed to attacking Darrell "Malik" Smith on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. Smith served more than 23 years in state prison on convictions for kidnapping and aggravated assault on a police officer. Man…
Man Tries Carjacking Woman After GWB Crash, Found With High-Capacity Magazine: PAPD Man Tries Carjacking Woman After GWB Crash, Found With High-Capacity Magazine: PAPD
Man Tries Carjacking Woman After GWB Crash, Found With High-Capacity Magazine: Papd A 26-year-old New Jersey man was arrested and charged after a two-car crash turned into an attempted carjacking on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 1, authorities said. A car with two men, including Frederick Antonio Castillo, crashed into another car, the New York Daily News reported, citing a source with Port Authority police. Castillo and the other man ran over to the woman's car and tried to open the doors, but she locked them, the Daily News said. One of the men was brandishing a firearm as he demanded the woman open the doors, the Daily News said. After failing to get in the car, Castillo …
Crashed Car, Gunshot Wounds: Arrest Made In Deadly Paterson Shooting Crashed Car, Gunshot Wounds: Arrest Made In Deadly Paterson Shooting
Crashed Car, Gunshot Wounds: Arrest Made In Deadly Paterson Shooting A 43-year-old Paterson man has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting that left a 21-year-old Staten Island man dead and another man injured last month, authorities said. Robert Davis was arrested on Monday, Dec. 2, following an investigation by the Paterson Police Department and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-in-Charge Patrick Murray. Authorities have filed a motion for pre-trial detention, which will be heard by a Superior Court judge. The incident began around 3:49 a.m. on Nov…
Violent NJ Human Trafficking Rings Dismantled Where Women, Teens Were Forced Into Sex: AG Violent NJ Human Trafficking Rings Dismantled Where Women, Teens Were Forced Into Sex: AG
Violent NJ Human Trafficking Rings Dismantled Where Women, Teens Were Forced Into Sex: AG Seven people have been arrested in the dismantling two human trafficking rings, one in North Jersey and one in South Jersey, authorities said. The rings were based in Essex County and Cumberland County, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin said at a news conference on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Khailah Meekins, 21 and Donte Barkley, 28, both Newark residents, trafficked two 15-year-olds and a 13-year-old in Essex County, Platkin said. Meekins and Barkley arranged sexual encounters for the girls through mobile apps that included online ads featuring nude photos of the minors. The girls would be…
Paterson Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting 10-Year-Old For Two Years: Prosecutor Paterson Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting 10-Year-Old For Two Years: Prosecutor
Paterson Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting 10-Year-Old For Two Years: Prosecutor A 54-year-old Paterson man was convicted on Monday, Dec. 2 of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old, authorities said. Cirilo Tello sexually abused the child on multiple occasions between October 2020 and October 2022 at a residence in Paterson, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said. The victim's brother was present during the assaults, Valdes said.  A jury convicted Tello of two counts of sexual assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, Valdes said. Tello will be sentenced next month, Valdes said. 
Woman Bit Child's Back So Hard He Bled During Argument In Bergen County: Affidavit Woman Bit Child's Back So Hard He Bled During Argument In Bergen County: Affidavit
Woman Bit Child's Back So Hard He Bled During Argument In Bergen County: Affidavit A 36-year-old woman from Bergen County has been charged with child endangerment and assault after allegedly biting a child so hard during an argument that he bled, authorities said. Cecilia Murillo Viera was arrested in Oakland on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, after the Oakland Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit regarding suspected child abuse, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced. According to the affidavit for probable cause, Murillo Viera scratched the child on the face and back and bit him on the back, causing visible bruising,…
Man Airlifted In Fall While Pulling Luggage Outside His Bergen County Apartment: Police Man Airlifted In Fall While Pulling Luggage Outside His Bergen County Apartment: Police
Man Airlifted In Fall While Pulling Luggage Outside His Bergen County Apartment: Police A 74-year-old man was airlifted to the hospital after suffering a head injury in a fall outside a Bergen County apartment complex Monday afternoon, Dec. 2, police said. The incident occurred at approximately 4:25 p.m. when the man, who lives on Sutton Place in Norwood, was walking backward on the sidewalk while pulling a piece of luggage, Norwood Police Chief Christian Federici said. The man lost his balance and fell, striking his head on the concrete. Norwood officers, Norwood EMS, and paramedics responded to the scene, where the man was found breathing but unresponsive, Federici said…
NJ OB-GYN's License Suspended Amid Sexual Abuse Accusations By Two Patients: AG NJ OB-GYN's License Suspended Amid Sexual Abuse Accusations By Two Patients: AG
NJ Ob-gyn's License Suspended Amid Sexual Abuse Accusations By Two Patients: AG A Mercer County OB-GYN had his medical license suspended after he was accused of sexually exploiting two longtime patients during routine exams, authorities said. The state Board of Medical Examiners has temporarily suspended the medical license of Dr. Bruce Pierce, Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the state Division of Consumer Affairs said in a news release on Monday, Dec. 2. Dr. Pierce worked at Delaware Valley OBGYN & Princeton Midwifery in Lawrenceville. His biography was removed from the practice's website as of press time. The doctor's suspension came after tw…
NJ Hockey Player, 19, Dies In Fiery Route 80 Crash NJ Hockey Player, 19, Dies In Fiery Route 80 Crash
NJ Hockey Player, 19, Dies In Fiery Route 80 Crash A 19-year-old hockey player from Bergen County was killed after his car caught fire on Route 80 in Warren County on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 1, authorities said. At 8:21 p.m., a Hyundai SUV driven by Carmine Argenziano was traveling westbound on Route 80 in Hope Township when it veered off the right side of the roadway, hit multiple trees and then caught fire, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. Argenziano died as a result of the crash, said Lebron, noting that the crash remains under investigation. Argenziano, who attended Nutley High School, was previousl…
DNA Match Cracks 1997 NJ Murder Case, Suspect Arrested In Canada DNA Match Cracks 1997 NJ Murder Case, Suspect Arrested In Canada
DNA Match Cracks 1997 NJ Murder Case, Suspect Arrested In Canada After 27 years, authorities announced an arrest in a major Bridgewater cold case murder. Robert Creter, a 60-year-old Winnipeg, Manitoba resident was charged with the murder of Tamara "Tammy" Tignor, 23, of Newark,  Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said Monday, Dec. 2. Bridgewater police received a 9-1-1 call reporting the discovery of Tignor's body by a Bridgewater resident on a dirt access road that ended in a cul-de-sac off Gilbride Road near Washington Valley Park on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1997, McDonald said. An autopsy determined her death to be a homicide, authorities sai…
NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor
NJ Police Sergeant Tests Positive For Meth, Took Drugs From Evidence Room: Prosecutor A police sergeant in Hammonton is facing multiple charges after testing positive for methamphetamine and taking drugs from the department's evidence room, authorities said. Detective Sergeant Robert Zbikowski, 45, of Hammonton, was charged on Monday, Nov. 25, with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, third-degree theft by unlawful taking, and two fourth-degree charges: tampering with physical evidence and obstruction of law, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2024, the Hammonton Police Department contacted the Atlantic County…
Pedestrian Pinned By Car In Morris County Acme Parking Lot: Police Pedestrian Pinned By Car In Morris County Acme Parking Lot: Police
Pedestrian Pinned By Car In Morris County Acme Parking Lot: Police A pedestrian was hospitalized after being run over by a vehicle in the parking lot of a Morris County supermarket Sunday morning, Dec. 1, police said. The vehicle was pulling out of a spot in the Acme parking lot on E. Main Street in Denville, when they drove over the female pedestrian and came to a stop, with the pedestrian underneath the vehicle, Denville Police Capt. Scott Welsch said. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The incident is under investigation.