Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that Edgar Diaz, 18, of Manchester, was sentenced today by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P, to eighteen years New Jersey State Prison. As a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Manslaughter, for the killing of his mother, Margarita Diaz.
Diaz must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2. Diaz pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter before Judge Daniels on January 17.
Officials say on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at approximately 8:42 p.m., Toms River Police were dispatched to Deer Chase Professional Park for reports of an assault.
The Officers arrived and found an unresponsive female. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center.
Subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Edgar Diaz attacked his mother following an argument, stabbed her with a knife, and slammed her head into the pavement outside their parked vehicle at the Deer Chase Professional Park.
He had been lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center since his apprehension on August 13, 2019, according to officials.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the fine work of Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony Pierro and Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski, who skillfully handled the case on behalf of the State.
Prosecutor Billhimer likewise commends the diligent efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their professionalism and collective assistance resulting in this lengthy State Prison sentence for Diaz.