Prosecutor: Teen Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting

A teen has been arrested in connection with last week’s fatal shooting in Asbury Park, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced on Thursday.

The defendant, a 16-year-old male whose identity is being withheld due to his age, has had juvenile complaints of murder and two related weapons offenses filed against him. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

The case background …

Shortly after 5:45 p.m. on Friday, July 8, Asbury Park police responded to a report of gunfire originating from the 100 block of Prospect Avenue, near the intersection of Atlantic Avenue.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers found 19-year-old Dariel Vernet of Asbury Park, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour later. An autopsy performed on Sunday deemed that the manner of death was homicide.

The investigation into Vernet’s death, led by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police Department, resulted in the juvenile defendant being identified as a suspect, and he was taken into custody without incident Tuesday evening.

Anyone with information about this matter is still urged to contact MCPO Detective Christopher Guy at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective Anthony Troublefield at 732-774-1300. This case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlin J. Sidley.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime may submit a tip to the 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 — 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