Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on March 1, 2026, a juvenile was charged with Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Lakewood on March 1, 2026.
On March 1, 2026, at approximately 8:17 p.m., Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the area of Pearl Street in reference to a male having suffered a gunshot wound. Responding Officers discovered a juvenile male with a single gunshot wound to his back. The victim was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood where he succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that a juvenile was responsible for shooting and killing the victim. The juvenile is currently being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60 precludes the release of additional information regarding juveniles charged as delinquent.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative 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).