By: Yuritza Arroyo
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on January 18, Michael Tsamas, 33, of Laurence Harbor, was indicted by a Grand Jury on the charges of Aggravated Manslaughter, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, in connection with the death of Joseph Delgardio in Jackson Township on May 26.
According to Jackson Township Police, on May 26, at approximately 6:15, officers responded to the area of West Veterans Highway and Conor Road in reference to a 911 call stating that a male was lying in the roadway in a pool of blood.
Police say responding officers found Joseph Delgardio, 44, of Jackson Township, with a severe wound to his neck.
At the time of the officer's arrival, Mr. Delgardio was already receiving first aid CPR from Fire Department personnel.
According to authorities, life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Mr. Delgardio was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation revealed that Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis.
Officials say Tsamas knocked on Mr. Delgardio’s door to solicit his business. Mr. Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested, and Tsamas left Mr. Delgardio’s residence.
A short time later, Mr. Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street, and a physical altercation ensued.
According to Police, during the altercation, Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Mr. Delgardio in the neck.
Tsamas was taken into custody without incident at the scene and thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail.
Tsamas was subsequently released from the Ocean County Jail as a consequence of the New Jersey Bail Reform.