Ocean County officials have announced that Samantha Massimino, 33, of Toms River, has been charged with Aggravated Manslaughter in connection with the death of Reinaldo Feliciano, Jr., 35, also of Toms River, in the early morning hours of October 24.
Massimino was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
According to officials on October 24, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Toms River Township Police Officers responded to a local residence following a 911 call requesting assistance in reference to a male victim having been stabbed.
Responding Officers found Reinaldo Feliciano, Jr. with a stab wound to his leg. An investigation revealed that Massimino and Mr. Feliciano, who had previously been in a relationship, became involved in a physical altercation at the residence.
During the course of the argument, Massimino retrieved a knife and ultimately stabbed Mr. Feliciano in the leg. Mr. Feliciano was transported to Community Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 4:45 a.m.
According to police, Massimino was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
“I commend all the law enforcement officers involved in this tragic case for their dedicated professionalism, and for swiftly identifying Ms. Massimino as the individual responsible for Mr. Feliciano’s death and bringing her into custody,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.