Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 28, 2026, Marian Rojas, 34, of Jackson Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Kenneth T. Palmer, J.S.C., to seven years New Jersey State Prison relative to her previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Assault in connection with an incident that occurred on October 24, 2025, in Jackson Township. The sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that Rojas will be required to serve at least 85 percent of her prison sentence before she may be considered for parole eligibility. Rojas pled guilty to the charge before Judge Palmer on June 15, 2026.
On October 24, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a residence on Jackson Pines Road for a report of a gunshot victim. Responding Officers discovered a 79-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. The victim was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of minor injuries and subsequently released. Further investigation revealed that Rojas was the individual that shot the victim and fled the scene. A description of Rojas and the vehicle she was operating were broadcast to surrounding towns. At approximately 10:00 p.m. on October 24th, Manchester Township Police effectuated a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle matching the description of Rojas’ vehicle – with Rojas as the operator. Rojas was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she has been detained since that date.
“This sentence reflects the extraordinary compassion and forgiveness shown by the victim throughout the pendency of this case,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “The victim’s unequivocal desire to extend mercy to this defendant was a significant factor in the State’s willingness to resolve this case in this manner,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Jackson Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their efforts in connection with this investigation.