Crime, Regional Interest

Prosecutor: Authorities Seek Public’s Help in Solving 2019 Murder

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying those responsible for a September 2019 murder in Neptune Township, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Wednesday.

The joint investigation between the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Neptune Township Police Department into the homicide of Wayne E. Jones, 46, of Neptune Township, is still active.

Prosecutor Santiago is urging the community to come forward and share any information they may have with police in hopes of bringing closure to the victim’s family, while also noting that those with information can contact police either directly or anonymously.

The case background …

At 8:11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, Neptune police responded to a report of shots fired at 1030 Old Corlies Avenue, in the area of the R-NU Barbershop. Police had received a report that two men arrived at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) with gunshot wounds. The two men arrived at JSUMC in separate vehicles.

Jones was pronounced deceased at 9:02 p.m. A 42-year-old Trenton man was treated and released from JSUMC. This was the second homicide in less than a year to take place at the same location.

The investigation revealed that the suspects were observed on security camera footage arriving and fleeing the scene in a vehicle believed to be a 2012-16 black Toyota Camry with tinted windows.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Aaron Shaw at 1-800-533-7443 or Detective Robert Hagerman of the Neptune Township Police Department at 732-988-8000, Ext. 419.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android at https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

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