Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio announced that on Friday, September 13, 2019, two individuals were arrested and charged with the murder of Mark Richard Austin, 55, of Brick Township.
According to a statement released by Ocean County authorities, on Saturday, September 7th, Brick Township Police were summoned to a residence on Acorn Drive and discovered the body of Mark Richard Austin.
Police say, at that time, it was discovered that Mr. Austin was beaten to death.
Following a thorough and extensive investigation that involved multiple law enforcement agencies, police say it was determined that Mr. Austin’s son, Mark J. Austin, and Jeray Melton conspired to murder the victim.
“The victim, Mr. Austin suffered serious injuries from a savage beating that caused his death,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “This investigation was very complex and the detectives in our Major Crime Unit and in the Brick Township Police Department did an amazing job of following leads and putting this case together,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Police say Mr.Jeray Melton, 27, of Salem City, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); Conspiracy to Commit Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
According to police Mr. Mark J. Austin, 28, of Brick Township, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); Conspiracy to Commit Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.