Prosecutor: Man Facing Attempted Murder, Bias Intimidation Charges in Beating of Photojournalist

Asbury Park Press freelance photographer and former staff photographer with Greater Media Newspapers, Jerry Wolkowitz, remains in critical condition as a man who allegedly beat him and then drove over him has been charged with attempted murder, bias intimidation and related charges stemming from a May 1 incident,  Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said.

Jamil S. Hubbard, 25, of Sayreville, has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon (a motor vehicle) for an unlawful purpose and first-degree bias intimidation, in connection with the May 1 early morning attack on Wolkowitz, 55 of Freehold Township. The assault occurred in the parking lot of the victim’s Harding Road residence.

The case background … 

On May 1, 2018 at approximately 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 was transported to an undisclosed area hospital where he remains in critical condition, the prosecutor said.

An investigation conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Freehold Township Police Department revealed that Hubbard allegedly 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 allegedly drove his motor vehicle over the victim. Hubbard then stole the victim’s car, which was later discovered abandoned on Bordentown Avenue in Sayreville, authorities said.

Hubbard was apprehended at his home later that same day by Sayreville police. He has since been held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold.

According to authorities’ investigatory findings, 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 is scheduled for July 10, 2018 before Superior Court Judge Paul X. Escandon.

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