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Byron Thomas of Paulsboro was charged with two counts of first-degree murder among other offenses, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Sgt. Monica Mosley, a detective sergeant with the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, was shot and killed in her Bridgeton home late at night on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Nyshawn Mutcherson, 29, of Vineland; Jarred Brown, 31, of Bridgeton; and Richard Hawkins Willis, 32, of Gloucester City, were also each charged with first-degree murder. Cyndia Pimentel, 38, of Paulsboro, was charged with third-degree hindering an investigation, fourth-degree obstruction of justice, and fourth-degree tampering with evidence.
Thomas, 35, was charged as a fugitive on Friday, Nov. 1, and U.S. Marshals took him into custody the next day.
"This development is a testament to the relentless efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case," said Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland. "We remain committed to seeking justice for Detective Sgt. Mosley and her family. The collaboration among all agencies has been crucial in bringing this case to light."
Bridgeton police were called on a report of several people kicking in the door of a home on the 600 block of Buckshutem Road at approximately 10:30 p.m. Officers found Sgt. Mosley had been shot and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sgt. Mosley, 51, began her career with the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office as a paralegal specialist in 2006. She became a detective in 2009, serving in the office's trial teams, special victims, and community justice units.
Sgt. Mosley was born in Bridgeton in 1973 and was a member of the Bridgeton High School class of 1991, according to her obituary from Padgett Funeral Home. She graduated with an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Cumberland County College.
The mother of three worked for a law firm and the federal court system in Delaware before joining the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.
"In her free time, she enjoyed traveling, shopping, eating good food, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her beloved pit bull Chyna," her obituary read. "Most of all Monica enjoyed having fun and was the life of the party, often bringing smiles to all who knew her. She enjoyed going to wineries and hanging with her "Old Lady Gang." Monica was an avid [Philadelphia] Eagles fan and was fierce in defending her team.
"Monica also was a die-hard Prince fan and loved listening to his music. She was extremely dedicated to her job and serving her community."
A GoFundMe page created in Sgt. Mosley's memory had raised more than $10,100 from at least 86 donations as of press time. Her funeral was held at Bridgeton High School on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Thomas, Brown, Hawkins Willis, and Mutcherson were each charged with the following crimes:
- first-degree murder (purposely and/or knowingly causing death)
- first-degree murder (murder during the commission of burglary)
- second-degree burglary
- second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon
- second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose
- second-degree certain person not to possess a weapon
- third-degree hindering apprehension
- fourth-degree obstruction of justice
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals have assisted in the investigation.
Anyone with information about Sgt. Mosley's killing should call the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135 or send an anonymous tip online at cmcpros.net/tips.
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