Netcong Man Charged With Murder and Weapons Offense

At approximately 08:19 AM on June 27, 2024, police were notified of a shooting incident on Alphano Road in Independence Township. Independence Township Police, the New Jersey State Police and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office responded. A suspect has been located and is in custody. There is no additional danger to the public.

The below listed individual was charged as a result of the investigation and is currently being held in the Berks County Prison in Leesport, Pennsylvania pending his extradition to New Jersey.

1. Murder, purposely causing the death of another, specifically by shooting the victim, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), a crime of the first degree.
2. Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1), a crime of the second degree.

First degree Murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison and second degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in the New Jersey State Prison.

The charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The joint investigation was conducted by the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, Independence Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and Wyomissing Police Township (PA), and the New Jersey State Police. The Warren County Tactical Team and New Jersey State Police assets from the Crime Scene Unit, Canine Unit, Emergency Response Bureau, and Aviation Bureau assisted.

This matter remains under investigation and additional charges maybe forthcoming as additional information is gathered.