Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced that on December 19, 2024, Sourav Kumar, 23, and Gaurav Singh, 27, both of Greenwood, Indiana, were charged with Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder in connection with the death of Kuldeep Kumar, 35, of India, in Manchester Township on or about October 22, 2024. Additionally, on December 20, 2024, Nirmal Singh, 30, and Gurdeep Singh, 22, also of Greenwood, Indiana, were both charged with the same crimes relative to Mr. Kumar’s death.
On December 14, 2024, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit was contacted for a report of a deceased individual who had been located in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Manchester Township. Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and New Jersey Conservation Police Department, discovered a deceased individual in a state of advanced decomposition.
On December 15, 2024, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office performed a post-mortem examination of the deceased individual. The Medical Examiner concluded that the cause of the individual’s death was multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, and the manner of death to be homicide. With assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the individual was identified as a male – Kuldeep Kumar, 35, of India.
An initial investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit revealed that Mr. Kumar had been reported missing by family members in Ozone Park, New York, on October 26, 2024.
Following a thorough and comprehensive investigation involving numerous law enforcement agencies, it was determined that Sourav Kumar, Guarav Singh, Nirmal Singh, and Gurdeep Singh, acted together and in support of one another in carrying out the murder of Kuldeep Kumar.
On December 20, 2024, Sourav Kumar, Guarav Singh, Nirmal Singh, and Gurdeep Singh, were taken into custody in Greenwood, Indiana, by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the City of Greenwood (Indiana) Police Department without incident. They were transported to Johnson County Jail in Franklin, Indiana, where they will remain lodged pending their extradition to New Jersey.
“The investigative efforts leading to the arrest of these defendants were nothing short of outstanding, and the teamwork exhibited by all the participating agencies truly exemplifies the best in law enforcement,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Collaborating with our law enforcement partners, particularly the FBI and NJSP, lead to the identification of our victim and the swift apprehension of these defendants in Indiana. I want to express my deepest gratitude for their assistance in this investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
“The charges brought against the individuals in connection with this tragic murder in Manchester Township reflect the tireless commitment of our detectives and the outstanding collaborative efforts of law enforcement at every level,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Justice for victims and their families is always our highest priority, and this case is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and determination of those who worked relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable.”
Prosecutor Billhimer and Colonel Callahan commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Unit, New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement and Removal Operations at United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New Jersey Conservation Police, New York City Police Department, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Police Department, Hightstown Police Department, City of Greenwood (Indiana) Police Department, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation, leading to the swift apprehension of these defendants.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).