NJ Husband Pleads Not Guilty In Barbell Killing Of Wife He Hated For 18 Years: Report NJ Husband Pleads Not Guilty In Barbell Killing Of Wife He Hated For 18 Years: Report
NJ Husband Pleads Not Guilty In Barbell Killing Of Wife He Hated For 18 Years: Report The man accused of killing his wife with a barbell pleaded not guilty in Monmouth County Superior Court Wednesday, June 3. Michael Kless, 67, is charged with murder and numerous weapons offenses in the death of his wife, Stacy Epstein- Kless, 66. Judge Paul Escandon ordered Kless be held without bail. In court, prosecutors showed an email Kless sent to his children admitting to the killing, saying he hated his wife for the past 18 years of their marriage after she said she was no longer in love with him, NJ Advance Media reports. Kless had started a relationship with a woman he me…
Support Swells For NJ Cop Wounded In Shooting Support Swells For NJ Cop Wounded In Shooting
Support Swells For NJ Cop Wounded In Shooting Sergeant Christian Ivanov was one of two Atlantic City police officers injured in a shooting on Tuesday, June 2 and now the community is coming together to help. A GoFundMe has been launched for Ivanov, who is described as a devoted husband and loving father to his three children. Ivanov is in stable but serious condition, according to the fundraiser. "Christian is a highly respected SWAT Sergeant with the Atlantic City Police Department, a leader who has spent his career running toward danger when others are running away from it," Valmir Loga, who organized the fundraiser said. "He is know…
Caregiver Accused Of Dismembering Disabled BF Body Into Suitcase With Family's Help: Philly DA Caregiver Accused Of Dismembering Disabled BF Body Into Suitcase With Family's Help: Philly DA
Caregiver Accused Of Dismembering Disabled BF Body Into Suitcase With Family's Help: Philly DA A home health aide is accused of shooting her disabled boyfriend, dismembering his body, and enlisting family members to help dump his remains in a suitcase and trash bags in Philadelphia, prosecutors announced. Liza Ridley, 53, has been charged with murder and related offenses in the death of Vincent Good, 53, whose dismembered remains were discovered in Kensington on Friday, May 22, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. The investigation began around 9:25 a.m. when a person searching for scrap metal in an alley along the 600 block of East Hilton Street opened a discard…
Paterson Man Admits To Armed Robbery That Ended In Shooting: Ocean County Prosecutor Paterson Man Admits To Armed Robbery That Ended In Shooting: Ocean County Prosecutor
Paterson Man Admits To Armed Robbery That Ended In Shooting: Ocean County Prosecutor A 38-year-old Paterson man pleaded guilty to robbing a man in Little Egg Harbor Township, authorities announced Tuesday, June 2. Christopher Miller faces a decade in prison as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. On Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 at 4:30 a.m., Little Egg Harbor Township police responded to a residence on East Hudson Drive and found a 36-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds,  Billhimer said. The victim had visited Miller and Marc Manfredonia, a 34-year-old Little Egg Harbor Township resident at the residence, but…
NJ Man, 20, Had Sexual Contact With Girl, 15, In NY After Meeting On Snapchat: Police NJ Man, 20, Had Sexual Contact With Girl, 15, In NY After Meeting On Snapchat: Police
NJ Man, 20, Had Sexual Contact With Girl, 15, In NY After Meeting On Snapchat: Police A 20-year-old New Jersey man faces charges after having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl in the Hudson Valley, NY, following their meeting over Snapchat, police said.  Passaic County resident Joseph D. Hand, 20, of West Milford, was arrested on sexual misconduct and child endangerment charges in connection with the alleged activity, New York State Police announced on Tuesday, June 2.  According to police, on Monday, June 1, troopers learned of a possible sex offense involving a child at a home in the Dutchess County town of Red Hook.  Investigators determined that Hand…
Massachusetts Woman Killed In Virginia Bus Crash Was Headed To Long-Awaited Vacation Massachusetts Woman Killed In Virginia Bus Crash Was Headed To Long-Awaited Vacation
Massachusetts Woman Killed In Virginia Bus Crash Was Headed To Long-Awaited Vacation A Massachusetts woman killed in the deadly Virginia charter bus crash was looking forward to a long-awaited Florida vacation and promised a friend she would call when she arrived.  That call never came. Priscilla R. Mafalda, 25, of Worcester, was identified as the fifth victim killed in the crash on I-95 near Quantico, Virginia. The wreck happened early Friday morning as travelers made their way south. A family of four from Greenfield, Massachusetts, was also killed.  The day before the crash, Mafalda shared her excitement about the trip in a text message to her friend and c…
Two On-Duty Police K-9s Die Same Day, Handler Placed On Leave: Report Two On-Duty Police K-9s Die Same Day, Handler Placed On Leave: Report
Two On-Duty Police K-9s Die Same Day, Handler Placed On Leave: Report Two K-9s in the Salem County Sheriff's Office died on Friday, May 29, authorities said. The deaths of Rip and Boomer remain under investigation by the Salem County Prosecutor's Office, the Salem County Sheriff's Office said. "Their loyalty, service, and dedication to protecting the residents of Salem County will never be forgotten," the sheriff's office said on Facebook. "We honor their lives with gratitude for all they gave and the service they performed alongside our officers in the countless ways they helped protect our community. Due to the ongoing investigation, the sheriff's office s…
NJ Corrections Officer Killed In Motorcycle Crash, Union Says NJ Corrections Officer Killed In Motorcycle Crash, Union Says
NJ Corrections Officer Killed In Motorcycle Crash, Union Says A New Jersey corrections officer has died following a motorcycle accident, according to the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 105. Senior Corrections Police Officer A. Elly died after the crash, the union announced. Details of the crash itself were not released. Records show that Elly was 29 years old and from Cinnaminson. He was assigned to the NJ State Prison in Trenton. "Officer Elly was a dedicated correctional police officer, a respected coworker, and a friend to many," the union said. His loss is being felt throughout the New Jersey corrections community. …
Man Stole Phone, Had Cocaine: Lakewood PD Man Stole Phone, Had Cocaine: Lakewood PD
Man Stole Phone, Had Cocaine: Lakewood PD A 33-year-old Freehold man was arrested and charged after he stole a cell phone in Lakewood, authorities announced. Nicholas Shapiro was arrested on Friday, May 29 after stealing the phone from a store in Lakewood, Lakewood police said. He was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant with assistance from the Tinton Falls Police Department, police said. During the intake process at the Ocean County Jail, corrections officers recovered a quantity of suspected cocaine from Shapiro's possession, police said. As a result, additional narcotics charges were filed, police said.
Man Assaulted Police Officer: Lakewood PD Man Assaulted Police Officer: Lakewood PD
Man Assaulted Police Officer: Lakewood PD  A 24-year-old Long Branch man was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer in Lakewood, authorities announced Monday, June 1. At 2:08 a.m., officers responded to 2nd Street and Clifton Avenue for a disturbance and encountered Jonathan Lopez-Perez, who actively resisted arrest and assaulted law enforcement during the incident, Lakewood police said. He was ultimately taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest, police said.
$7.7M Stolen In NJ Real Estate Scam: Bergen Man, Florida Accomplice Charged $7.7M Stolen In NJ Real Estate Scam: Bergen Man, Florida Accomplice Charged
$7.7M Stolen In NJ Real Estate Scam: Bergen Man, Florida Accomplice Charged A Bergen County man and his Florida accomplice are accused of helping launder more than $7.7 million stolen in a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting a Garden State real estate transaction, authorities said. Jason S. McNeill, 49, of Wyckoff, and Ryan A. Telesford, 43, of Lake Worth, FL, were charged with money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to commit theft by deception, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Monday, June 1. The investigation began in December 2025 after the Hackensack Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Offi…
Manhunt Launched For ATV Rider Who Ran Over Cop In South Jersey: Police Manhunt Launched For ATV Rider Who Ran Over Cop In South Jersey: Police
Manhunt Launched For ATV Rider Who Ran Over Cop In South Jersey: Police A man is at large after he ran over a police officer while riding an ATV in Ewing on Sunday, May 31, authorities said. At 5:30 p.m., officers received numerous calls about an ATV riding recklessly throughout Ewing, Ewing police said. A police officer located a man attempted to fuel his ATV at a Delta gas station on Princeton Avenue and attempted to stop him, police said. The man drove over the officer and a pursuit was initiated before eventually being terminated for safety reasons, police said. The officer that was struck was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening …
Man Lying In Roadway Dies After Run Over By Dump Truck In Jackson: Prosecutor Man Lying In Roadway Dies After Run Over By Dump Truck In Jackson: Prosecutor
Man Lying In Roadway Dies After Run Over By Dump Truck In Jackson: Prosecutor A man was pronounced dead after he was run over by a dump truck while lying in the roadway in Jackson on Monday, June 1, authorities said. At 2:30 a.m., a Mack dump truck was traveling northbound on South Hope Chapel Road when the operator attempted to avoid what he believed was debris in the roadway, but it turned out to be a man, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. The dump truck ran over the man despite trying to avoid him and the operator immediately reported the incident to police, Billhimer said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, Billhimer said. He has not been pub…
Man Indicted After Deadly Pedestrian Strike, Leaving Scene: Ocean County Prosecutor Man Indicted After Deadly Pedestrian Strike, Leaving Scene: Ocean County Prosecutor
Man Indicted After Deadly Pedestrian Strike, Leaving Scene: Ocean County Prosecutor A 54-year-old Monroe Township man was indicted on multiple charges after he struck and killed a pedestrian in Little Egg Harbor Township and left the scene, authorities announced Friday, May 29. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, Egg Harbor Township police responded to Center Street and Oak Street after Domenico Russano was struck by a white Ford F-650 while he was walking on the sidewalk, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. The Ford F-650 fled the scene, Billhimer said. The 68-year-old Egg Harbor Township resident was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center where he was pronounce…
91-Year-Old Man Killed In Crash Involving Tesla: Bridgewater PD 91-Year-Old Man Killed In Crash Involving Tesla: Bridgewater PD
91-Year-Old Man Killed In Crash Involving Tesla: Bridgewater PD A 91-year-old man was killed in a crash in Bridgewater on Sunday afternoon, May 31, authorities said. At 4:06 p.m., officers responded to Route 22 after a white Tesla was traveling eastbound when it suddenly came to a complete stop in the center lane, Bridgewater police said. A Subaru, traveling behind the Tesla, was forced to stop, police said. A Buick traveling behind the Subaru was unable to stop and struck the back of the car, police said. The Buick then lost control, traveled into the right lane, crossed the highway, left the roadway, and entered the center median, where it struck a tr…
Referee Strangles Coach During South Jersey Youth Football Game: Cops Referee Strangles Coach During South Jersey Youth Football Game: Cops
Referee Strangles Coach During South Jersey Youth Football Game: Cops A referee was charged after police said he strangled a coach during a youth flag football game in Gloucester County on Sunday afternoon, May 31. Franklin Township police responded to the Franklin Township Sports Complex on Pennsylvania Avenue at approximately 1:30 p.m. following reports of an assault at a youth football game, according to the department. A dispute over an on-field call escalated when the referee strangled a 46-year-old Newfield man who was coaching one of the teams. Witnesses corroborated the assault, leading to the arrest of the referee, Edward McKinnie Jr., 47, of Bl…
Fire Tears Through LBI Landmark, Staff Facing Summer Without Pay Fire Tears Through LBI Landmark, Staff Facing Summer Without Pay
Fire Tears Through LBI Landmark, Staff Facing Summer Without Pay A fire broke out at a popular LBI restaurant over the weekend, leaving its future uncertain and dozens of employees without their primary source of summer income. Owners of Wally's in Surft City announced the Saturday night fire in a Facebook post Sunday, May 31, saying no employees, customers, or neighboring residents were injured. "So last night didn't go as anyone planned," the restaurant wrote. The fire started after staff finished what the restaurant described as "a wonderful Saturday night shift. "We are so incredibly happy to be able to share that no one from Wally's or an…
Prosecutor IDs Man, 38, Killed In Aberdeen Weekend Crash Prosecutor IDs Man, 38, Killed In Aberdeen Weekend Crash
Prosecutor IDs Man, 38, Killed In Aberdeen Weekend Crash Authorities have identified the 38-year-old man who was killed while carrying a child on Route 35 in Aberdeen as Anthony A. Trujillo. ORIGINAL STORY: A 38-year-old man carrying a child across Route 35 was killed after the pair were struck by a pickup truck Saturday night, May 30, authorities said. The driver of a 2015 Nissan Frontier was traveling south in the left lane of Route 35 when the vehicle struck two pedestrians who were crossing in a marked crosswalk from west to east at the Cliffwood Avenue intersection around 9:!5 p.m. in Matawan, authorities said, according to Monmouth Cou…
PA Officer Killed Responding To Call, Department Says PA Officer Killed Responding To Call, Department Says
PA Officer Killed Responding To Call, Department Says A police officer was killed while responding to an emergency call Friday, May 29, after her patrol vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Central Berks Police Officer Kristen Yeager, 42, a married mom of three from Boyertown, was responding with emergency lights and sirens activated when the crash occurred on West Philadelphia Avenue near Manatawny Road in Earl Township, state police said. According to investigators, Yeager's patrol vehicle traveled off the paved portion of the roadway, crossed the grass shoulder, entered a ditch, and struck a tr…
Woman Killed After Driving Into Active Crash Scene On Route 1 In West Windsor: Cops Woman Killed After Driving Into Active Crash Scene On Route 1 In West Windsor: Cops
Woman Killed After Driving Into Active Crash Scene On Route 1 In West Windsor: Cops A Pennsylvania woman was killed after driving into an active crash scene on Route 1 in Mercer County, NJ early Friday, May 29, narrowly missing police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and investigators working at the site, authorities said. Police were called to a crash on Route 1 south at Washington Road at approximately 1:58 a.m., where a 2023 Kia driven by a 22-year-old Philadelphia man was traveling south in the left lane when it struck the passenger side of a tractor-trailer that was turning left from Washington Road onto Route 1 south, police said. The Kia driver failed to …
Throat Punch During Ace Hardware Theft Lands NJ Couple In Trouble: Police Throat Punch During Ace Hardware Theft Lands NJ Couple In Trouble: Police
Throat Punch During Ace Hardware Theft Lands NJ Couple In Trouble: Police Arrest warrants have been issued for two Jackson residents accused of stealing power tools from an Ace Hardware store in Clark and assaulting an employee during their escape, authorities said. Officers responded to Ace Hardware on Westfield Avenue around 1:08 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, for a reported shoplifting, according to police in Clark. A man and woman, later identified as Michael D. Ritz, 32, and Brielle M. Winston, 28, both of Jackson, entered the store and went to the power tool aisle before filling a shopping cart with merchandise and heading toward the checkout area. Before …
Husband Used Barbell To Beat Wife Dead In Monmouth County Home: Prosecutor Husband Used Barbell To Beat Wife Dead In Monmouth County Home: Prosecutor
Husband Used Barbell To Beat Wife Dead In Monmouth County Home: Prosecutor A 67-year-old man remains in critical condition after authorities say he used a barbell to beat his wife to death in their Monmouth County home before he was found unconscious in a vehicle. Michael A. Kless has been charged with first-degree murder, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon (barbell), and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, following the death of 66-year-old Stacy Epstein-Kless, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. Ocean Township police responded to the 100 block of Seward Drive at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 2…
Teen Shoots 2 Women During ID Dispute At NJ Bar: Prosecutor Teen Shoots 2 Women During ID Dispute At NJ Bar: Prosecutor
Teen Shoots 2 Women During ID Dispute At NJ Bar: Prosecutor An 18-year-old Bridgeton woman was arrested after two women were shot during an altercation at a Millville bar over proof of age, authorities said. Police responded to Bojo’s Bar around 11:07 p.m. Saturday, May 23, for a reported altercation, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said. Investigators allege the dispute began after an employee at the establishment attempted to obtain identification from Andrea Martin to confirm her legal drinking age, according to prosecutors. During the altercation, two women, ages 25 and 48, were both shot in the leg, authorities said. Mart…
Loaded Assault Rifle Seized From Ski-Masked Man On NJ Street After Chase: Cops Loaded Assault Rifle Seized From Ski-Masked Man On NJ Street After Chase: Cops
Loaded Assault Rifle Seized From Ski-Masked Man On NJ Street After Chase: Cops A Linden man was arrested after police allegedly found a compact assault rifle with a high-capacity drum magazine and hollow-point ammunition inside a backpack during an early morning investigation, authorities said. Linden police officers were assisting Roselle police around 2 a.m. Monday, May 25, on a shots-fired investigation near the 500 block of East St. George Avenue when they spotted two men dressed in black clothing and wearing ski masks walking north on Clark Street, police said. One of the men was carrying a black backpack, according to authorities. Officers stopped the pair …
NJ Inmate Kills Cellmate While Serving Manslaughter Sentence: Prosecutor NJ Inmate Kills Cellmate While Serving Manslaughter Sentence: Prosecutor
NJ Inmate Kills Cellmate While Serving Manslaughter Sentence: Prosecutor A Newark man serving time for aggravated manslaughter and robbery has been charged with killing his cellmate inside the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility in Chesterfield, authorities said Wednesday, May 27. Xavier Cepin, 22, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 28-year-old Shayne Johns of Mount Ephraim, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said.  The investigation began April 18 when a correctional officer found Johns lying on the floor of the cell he shared with Cepin during an inmate count, according to the prosecutor. Johns was taken to Capital…
Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized In Massive Jersey Shore Drug Bust: Prosecutor Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized In Massive Jersey Shore Drug Bust: Prosecutor
Meth, Fentanyl, Cocaine Seized In Massive Jersey Shore Drug Bust: Prosecutor Two Jersey Shore residents were jailed after officials seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl pills, ecstasy, and cash from a borough home tied to a month-long narcotics investigation, authorities said Wednesday, May 27. Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Seaside Heights Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, and Asbury Park Police Department investigated alleged drug activity tied to a home used by Leo Johnson, 50, and Michelle Karcher, 46, both of Seaside Heights, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Investigat…
Drunk NJ Man Busted Driving Wrong Way On NYS Thruway: Police Drunk NJ Man Busted Driving Wrong Way On NYS Thruway: Police
Drunk NJ Man Busted Driving Wrong Way On NYS Thruway: Police A New Jersey man was arrested on drunk driving charges after police said he was caught driving the wrong way on the New York State Thruway in Rockland County, NY.  Bergen County resident Shawn A. Brady, 44, of Ridgefield Park, was arrested on Sunday, May 24, New York State Police announced on Wednesday, May 27.  According to State Police, troopers saw a 2017 Toyota Tacoma at around 8:40 p.m. traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 87 in Clarkstown.  Police said the pickup truck was driving along the shoulder before troopers pulled it over. They later detec…
Perth Amboy Motorcyclist, 32, Killed In Violent Linden Crash Perth Amboy Motorcyclist, 32, Killed In Violent Linden Crash
Perth Amboy Motorcyclist, 32, Killed In Violent Linden Crash A 32-year-old Perth Amboy man was killed in a motorcycle crash in Linden late Tuesday night, May 26, authorities said. Officers responded to the 1700 block of West Edgar Road at approximately 11:40 p.m., where a 2009 Suzuki and a 2009 Kawasaki were both traveling north on West Edgar Road when they collided, Linden police said. The impact forced the Suzuki into opposing traffic, where it collided with a southbound 2025 Mazda CX5, authorities said. One of the motorcyclists, a 32-year-old Perth Amboy man, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The second motorcyclist and the…
Scooterist, 47, Trying To Turn Left Onto Highway Killed By SUV On Memorial Day: Cops Scooterist, 47, Trying To Turn Left Onto Highway Killed By SUV On Memorial Day: Cops
Scooterist, 47, Trying To Turn Left Onto Highway Killed By SUV On Memorial Day: Cops A 47-year-old scooter rider was killed in a crash involving an SUV in Wall Township on Monday, May 25, Memorial Day, authorities said. Wall Township police responded to the intersection of Route 35 and Belmar Boulevard at approximately 5:50 p.m., for a reported vehicle-versus-scooter crash, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago. A woman driving a 2024 Kia Seltos southbound in the right lane on Route 35 struck a 2022 Buddy Kick 125 scooter being operated by a man attempting to turn left onto the highway, Santiago said. The impact threw the scooter rider onto the roadway, …
NJ Man Hijacked Victim’s $300K HELOC, Prosecutor Says NJ Man Hijacked Victim’s $300K HELOC, Prosecutor Says
NJ Man Hijacked Victim’s $300K HELOC, Prosecutor Says A New Jersey man is accused of stealing access to a victim’s $300,000 home equity line of credit and impersonating a mortgage company during the scheme, authorities said. Stephen Intrieri, 44, of Mount Laurel, was charged Thursday, May 21, with theft by unlawful taking and impersonation in connection with an investigation tied to Jackson Township, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. Investigators said the victim opened a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, against his property in October 2025 with plans to invest part of the money with Intrieri.  Intrieri complet…
NJ Prison Guard Took Bribes To Smuggle Drugs: AG NJ Prison Guard Took Bribes To Smuggle Drugs: AG
NJ Prison Guard Took Bribes To Smuggle Drugs: AG A senior New Jersey corrections officer from Hackensack was indicted after prosecutors said he accepted bribes to smuggle contraband into Northern State Prison in Newark. A state grand jury indicted Christopher Santana, 33, on Tuesday, May 26, according to Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. Santana accepted payments between May 2024 and June 2025 from people connected to inmates in exchange for bringing contraband into the prison, prosecutors allege. He was stopped while arriving for work on June 10, 2025, after investigators noti…