An area man is facing attempted murder charges stemming from an unprovoked Labor Day stabbing, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Wednesday.

On Monday, Sept. 2, Asbury Park police responded to the 500 block of Asbury Avenue on a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult female victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. Several bystanders were rendering aid to the victim at the time the officers arrived.

In connection with the stabbing, Travis A. Cavanaugh, 39, was arrested. He has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (knife), and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

An investigation by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department determined that Cavanaugh had allegedly approached the victim from behind and began to stab her, continuing until a witness intervened.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital and is in critical condition.  

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Stephen Cavendish at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective James Crawford at 732-774-1300.

The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau. Information regarding Cavanaugh’s legal representation was not immediately available.

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

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