July 30, 2024
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the fatal shooting of Stephon Fisher on May 19, 2024.
Jozef Field, 29, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses. He was arrested at the Kingsbury Apartments in Trenton on Monday, July 29, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Field pending trial.
At approximately 5:52 p.m. on May 19, 2024, Trenton police received a ShotSpotter activation for multiple rounds and several calls reporting two individuals shot in the area of 2 Kingsbury Square. Trenton police, fire and emergency services responded to the area and located two 18-year-old males outside suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Fisher, of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time later. The second 18-year-old victim, also a city resident, sustained three gunshot wounds.
As a result of the investigation, a second individual was identified and charged with this homicide. However, Steven Key, 30, of Trenton, died on July 14, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pa., prior to his arrest.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Paulina Way at (609) 722-0170 or Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jozef Field, 29, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses. He was arrested at the Kingsbury Apartments in Trenton on Monday, July 29, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Field pending trial.
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
- 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
- 01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
- 02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
- 03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
- 04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
- 05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
- 05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
- 05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
- 05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
- 06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
- 06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
- 07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
- 07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
- 07/12/2024 Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, Shooting
July 30, 2024
FREEHOLD – A fugitive has been located, arrested, and charged with being responsible for a July 2023 motor vehicle collision in Wall Township that took the life of a local man, Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso and Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran jointly announced Tuesday.
Thomas A. Redding, 45, of Howell Township is charged with second-degree Death by Auto, third-degree Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense.
At approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to a three-vehicle collision in the area of Old Mill Road and State Route 138. At that location they found that two vehicles, a 2016 Ford Fusion operated by 55-year-old Leonard Akers of Wall Township and a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck operated by a 62-year-old male resident of Howell Township, had been fully stopped at a red light when Redding approached them from behind, operating a 2023 Toyota 4Runner.
Redding collided directly into the rear of the vehicle being driven by Akers, propelling it into the rear of the pickup truck in front of him and severely damaging both vehicles. Akers was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for medical treatment, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation into this matter involving members of the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Prosecutor’s Office, the Wall Township Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police determined that Redding was under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision, and he was criminally charged earlier this month. He remained at large until members of the Prosecutor’s Office, Wall Township Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested him in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania early yesterday, Monday, July 29. He currently remains in custody there pending extradition to New Jersey and future proceedings in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Redding is additionally charged with summonses for Speeding, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving Likely to Endanger Persons or Property, Following Too Closely, Operation of a Motor Vehicle while in Possession of Narcotics, and Driving While Intoxicated.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau. Information about Redding’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
July 30, 2024
Manchester Township, NJ- A visit to a popular privately-owned 7000-acre tract of land in Manchester on Monday evening ended tragically for a 18-year-old Perth Amboy Township man, Victor Arias- Peralta, who unlawfully visited the Heritage Mineral property and attempted to swim in the lake with other individuals around 6:00 p.m. Arias- Peralta and a friend were attempting to cross Crystal Lake when Arias- Peralta appeared to suffer from severe fatigue and went into distress approximately twenty yards from the shoreline. Friends went to the aid of Arias- Peralta who eventually submerged underwater and disappeared in the current.
The Manchester Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Manchester Township EMS, the Manchester, Ridgeway, Whiting Volunteer Fire Departments, and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit responded to the scene were search and rescue operations were conducted for approximately forty-five minutes before Arias- Peralta was located unresponsive. He was pulled from the water where he was pronounced deceased. The preliminary investigation indicates the drowning to be accidental.
Assisting with this investigation is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who may have been at “Crystal Lake” and witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Victoria Guarino of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at 732-657-2009 ext. 4201.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.
Whiting Fire Company Station 33 reported:
July 29, 2024 At approxamately 6:53 p.m. Stations 33, 32, and 34 were dispatched to Heritage Minerals (ASARCO) for a reported submersion. Ridgeway Chief 3400 was the first on location and confirmed the last known location of the submerged individual. Special Operations Unit 3317, Utility 3337, Brush 3339, and Brush 3329 responded to the scene. Whiting Fire divers and surface swimmers entered the water along with 3220. A brief grid search with a search line was performed and the individual was located/surfaced and transferred to EMS. The scene was subsequently turned over to MPD and the OCSD for investigation purposes.
Howell Township Man Tragically Drowns in Lake on Heritage Mineral Property
Cliffside Park Man Drowned In “Crystal Lake” On ASARCO Site
Howell Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police reported that on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at approximately 10:17 a.m., Trenton Police Patrol Bureau Officers responded to a report of a male stabbed in the area of Southard Street and New Willow Street. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim bleeding heavily from a severe laceration to his midsection. Officers rendered medical assistance until Trenton Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Criminal Investigation Bureau Robbery/Assault Unit Detectives Roberto Ramos and Vincent Gribbin responded and investigated this incident under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Michael Cipriano.
The investigation revealed that Kwadwo Veh Asare was walking his pit bull when he came across the victim, whom he knew, and an argument ensued. Asare set his pit bull loose to attack the victim and the dog attacked, knocking the victim to the ground and biting him in the process. Asare ran up to the victim during the dog attack and stabbed the him. The victim suffered a deep and approximately 8” long laceration to his midsection, exposing his organs and causing significant blood loss. Asare took control of his dog and fled the scene. The victim sought help nearby.
Responding patrol units located Asare in the area, without his pit bull, and took him into custody after a foot pursuit. Criminal complaints were filed against Asare for the following charges: Criminal Attempt-Murder, Aggravated Assault (2 Counts), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Endangering Another Person, and Resisting Arrest. Asare also had several active warrants for his arrest. Anyone with additional information on this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Michael Cipriano at (609) 575-2235.
Kwadwo Veh Asare, 29. Criminal complaints were filed against Asare for the following charges: Criminal Attempt-Murder, Aggravated Assault (2 Counts), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Endangering Another Person, and Resisting Arrest. Asare also had several active warrants for his arrest.
The juvenile is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree carjacking, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses.
July 30, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF), the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team (SCRT) and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old Lawrence male for the shooting death of Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez.
The juvenile is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree carjacking, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses. He was arrested Monday without incident in Trenton by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the MCHTF and New Jersey State Police. He will be held in the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court hearing. His name is being withheld because he is a minor.
On July 12, 2024, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Trenton communications received several calls reporting an accident that involved an overturned vehicle in the area of Garfield and Farragut avenues. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located a white Dodge Durango that was overturned. They found the victim, Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez, 27, of Trenton, inside the Durango suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, as well as two minor children who were strapped into car seats and unharmed. According to witnesses to the incident, Cruz-Rodriguez was standing at the open back of the Durango when an unidentified suspect entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away. Cruz-Rodriguez attempted to climb in the rear of the Durango when witnesses indicate multiple gunshots were fired, the vehicle crashed into two parked cars a short distance away and the suspect fled the scene. Cruz-Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Chris Pullen at (848) 992-6436 or Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A Go Fund Me is set up here for the victim’s family:
YONI EMANUEL CRUZ RODRIGUEZ
Buen día Me llamo Roger Cruz Rodríguez hermano de Yoni estoy recaudando fondos para poder enviar el cuerpo de mi hermano a su tierra natal La Iguala Lempira Honduras ayúdenme no tenemos recursos para repatriar
a mi hermano ya que la familia espera por el y dejó una niño de 3 años de edad y una niña de dos mesecitos
el día Sábado 14 de julio una persona le quitó la vida cuando iba saliendo de la iglesia
ayúdeme por favor con lo poco que puedan Dios les multiplicará
1 los fondos de los 12 mil serán utilizados para enviar el cuerpo
2 se han recaudado hasta el momento 1900 dólares
3 y 310 por medio de Zelle
4 esperamos terminar al 100% las ayudas
YONI EMANUEL CRUZ RODRIGUEZ
Good morning My name is Roger Cruz Rodríguez brother of Yoni I am raising funds to be able to send my brother's body to his homeland La Iguala Lempira Honduras help me we do not have resources to repatriateto my brother since the family is waiting for him and left a 3-year-old boy and a two-month-old girlOn Saturday, July 14, a person took his life when he was leaving the church.Please help me with the little you can, God will multiply you1 the funds of the 12 thousand will be used to send the body2 have raised so far $19003 and 310 via Zelle4 we hope to finish the aid 100%
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
- 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
- 01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
- 02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
- 03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
- 04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
- 05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
- 05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
- 05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
- 05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
- 06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
- 06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
- 07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
- 07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
- 07/12/2024 Yoni Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, Shooting