Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 29, 2025, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), ordered that Steven McNeill, 32, of Jackson Township, shall remained detained in the Ocean County Jail on the charge of Murder in connection with the death of Raniek Mendez, 34, of Brick Township, that occurred in Toms River on May 9, 2025. McNeill is also being detained on the charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, and Eluding, all arising out of the same series of incidents that occurred in Toms River on May 9th.
The detention hearing was handled by Senior Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara.
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).