Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on August 2, 2021, Antonia Ashford, 44, of Jackson, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), relative to the shooting death of her husband, Roderick Ashford, at their home in Jackson Township. Antonia Ashford was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1).
On August 2, 2021, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Officers of the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a residence in reference to a 911 call indicating that a male victim had been shot. Responding Officers found the body of Roderick Ashford, 47, lying unresponsive on the floor with a gunshot wound to the face. Attempts were made to revive Mr. Ashford, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Antonia Ashford pointed a handgun at Mr. Ashford and discharged the weapon, thereby causing his death. Antonia Ashford was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative assistance 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).