By: Richard L. Smith
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago reported today that a Neptune man has been arrested for the killing of a 41-year-old man in Oceanport last night.
Michael Westbrook, 41, of Neptune Township, was charged with one count of first-degree Murder, along with second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and third-degree Hindering his own apprehension, in connection with the death of Amad Jones, 41, formerly of Oceanport.
Prosecutor Santiago said at approximately 9:40 p.m., the Oceanport Police Department were dispatched to the area of Gosselin Avenue, in Fort Monmouth, for a report of an individual possibly being shot.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement discovered Amad Jones in the roadway with a gunshot wound to his chest. Jones ultimately succumbed to his injury.
A short while later, Michael Westbrook turned himself into authorities at the Neptune Township Police Department headquarters.
Prosecutor Santiago said a joint investigation by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Oceanport Police Department and Neptune Township Police Department ultimately led to the arrest and charging of Westbrook.
He remains in custody pending his first appearance and detention hearing to take place in Monmouth County Superior Court.
The case has been assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings of the Major Crimes Bureau. Information on Westbrook’s legal representation was not immediately available.
If convicted of murder, Westbrook faces a term of up to life in state prison.
Anyone with information about this matter is being asked to contact MCPO Detective Kent Thornton at 800-533-7443 or Oceanport Detective William Resnyk at 732-222-6301.