May 1, 2023
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 1, 2023, Samantha Massimino, 36, of Toms River, pled guilty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to Manslaughter in connection with the death of Reinaldo Feliciano, Jr., 35, also of Toms River, in the early morning hours of October 24, 2020. At the time of her sentencing on July 7, 2023, the State will be seeking a term of seven years New Jersey State Prison – subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.
On October 24, 2020, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Toms River Township Police Officers responded to a local residence following a 911 call requesting assistance in reference to a male victim having been stabbed. Responding Officers found Reinaldo Feliciano, Jr., with a stab wound to his leg. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Massimino and Mr. Feliciano, who had previously been in a dating relationship, became involved in a physical altercation at the residence. During the course of the argument, Massimino retrieved a knife and ultimately stabbed Mr. Feliciano in the leg. Mr. Feliciano was transported to Community Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 4:45 a.m. Massimino was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Ocean County Jail where she has been lodged since her arrest.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jamie Schron who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their outstanding and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Massimino’s guilty plea, and soon her state prison sentence.
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