By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County reported that on October 4, 2023, Anthony Collins, 40, of Seaside Heights, was charged with the crimes of Manslaughter and Endangering an Injured Victim in connection with the death of Robert May, 70, of Seaside Heights, on October 1, in the Borough of Seaside Heights.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 18, 2023, at approximately 4:00 p.m., officers from the Seaside Heights Police responded to the area of Central Avenue and Sumner Avenue for a report of a fall victim.
Responding Officers found a male victim, later identified as Robert May, lying on the ground next to his bicycle, officials stated.
According to officials, Mr. May was observed to be bleeding from a laceration to his head.
Officials said Mr. May was initially treated at the scene and refused further medical assistance; he thereafter left the area and returned to his residence.
A subsequent investigation by the Seaside Heights Police revealed that Mr. May was assaulted by another individual, which caused him to fall off his bicycle and strike his head on the pavement, officials say.
Authorities say on September 18, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Seaside Heights Police received information that Mr. May had been acting erratically subsequent to his fall, resulting in him being transported by the Tri-Boro First Aid Squad from his home to Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Mr. May’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he was subsequently transferred to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, officials stated.
According to officials, On October 1, Mr. May succumbed to his injuries.
A post-mortem examination conducted on that date by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of Mr. May’s death to be blunt force injury resulting from the assault which occurred in Seaside Heights on September 18, 2023, and the manner of his death to be a homicide, authorities say.
Officials say a continuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and the Seaside Heights Police determined that Collins was, in fact, the individual who assaulted Mr. May on September 18, ultimately resulting in his death.
On October 4, 2023, a warrant was issued for Collins’ arrest, and his name was entered into the National Crime Information Center database. On October 15, Collins surrendered himself at Seaside Heights Police Department Headquarters, officials said.
He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
