Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on February 26, 2025, Louis Gargiso, 39, of Jackson Township, was indicted by a Grand Jury sitting in Ocean County on charges of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with the death of Robert Sunris, 74, also of Jackson, which occurred in Jackson Township on July 19, 2024.
On July 19, 2024, at approximately 5:55 a.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a residence on Maple Street for a report of an unconscious male. Responding Officers discovered the deceased body of a male, later identified as Mr. Sunris, with an apparent stab wound to the chest. Officers also observed a knife adjacent to the body.
On July 19, 2024, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office performed a post mortem examination of Mr. Sunris. The examination determined that the cause of Mr. Sunris’ death was a stab wound to the chest, and the manner of his death to be homicide.
A thorough investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Gargiso and Mr. Sunris were roommates at the Maple Street residence. Further investigation identified Gargiso as the individual responsible for Mr. Sunris’ death. Gargiso was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been detained since July 19, 2024.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
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).