Prosecutor: Man Indicted on Attempted Murder, Bias Intimidation Charges in Photojournalist’s Attack

A Sayreville man has been indicted on attempted murder, bias intimidation and related charges in connection with the May beating of longtime area photojournalist Jerry Wolkowitz, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni announced on Tuesday.

Jamil S. Hubbard, 25, of Sayreville, was indicted on the following charges: first-degree attempted murder, first-degree bias intimidation, first-degree armed robbery, fourth-degree possession of a weapon (a motor vehicle) for an unlawful purpose, third-degree theft of movable property and second-degree eluding in connection with the May 1 attack on Wolkowitz, 55, of Freehold Township.  The assault, during which Wolkowitz was beaten, dragged and driven over by a vehicle, occurred in the parking lot of the victim’s Harding Road residence.

The case background … 

On May 1 at 7:15 a.m., Freehold Township police were dispatched to the Harding Road apartment complex in Freehold Township. Responding officers observed the victim lying in the parking lot area with injuries to his head and body.  Wolkowitz remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

An investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Freehold Township Police Department revealed that Hubbard approached the victim from behind, hitting him with his fists on his head and face, before dragging him into the parking lot.

The defendant then drove his motor vehicle over the victim. Hubbard then stole the victim’s car, which was later discovered abandoned on Bordentown Avenue in Sayreville. Hubbard was apprehended at his home later that same day by members of the Sayreville Police Department. He has remained detained in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution since that date.

The investigation determined that the defendant did not know or have any previous contact with the victim prior to this attack.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to keep Hubbard in jail without an opportunity for release pending trial.  This detention hearing was scheduled for July 12  before Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office