Jackson Man Charged in Fatal Toms River Stabbing
A 32-year-old Jackson Township man has been charged with murder following a Friday morning stabbing in Toms River that left one man dead and another injured. Steven McNeill faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder, after authorities say he fled the scene and led police on a brief pursuit before his capture.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Raniek Mendez, 34, of Brick Township, died from a stab wound to the chest after being transported to Community Medical Center, as reported by Shore News Network.
Double Stabbing Leads to Police Chase
The violent incident unfolded around 7:20 a.m. Friday on Adams Avenue in Toms River, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. First responders discovered Mendez critically wounded at the scene, while a second victim, identified as 30-year-old Roderick Seward of Toms River, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators determined Seward had been transported by a family member to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick Township. Law enforcement quickly identified a vehicle fleeing the location and coordinated a response that led to McNeill’s apprehension in neighboring Jackson Township.
Drug Charges Added Against Surviving Victim
In an unexpected development, authorities have also charged Seward, the surviving victim, with drug offenses after executing a search warrant at the Adams Avenue residence. Investigators recovered a backpack containing cocaine allegedly belonging to Seward.
“Seward has been charged with possession of less than one-half ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine,” according to the prosecutor’s statement. He was issued a summons and is scheduled to appear in Ocean County Superior Court at a later date.
Additional Firearms Investigation Underway
Prosecutor Billhimer confirmed that investigators recovered a shell casing from the scene after a witness reported hearing a single gunshot during the altercation. However, no firearm has been recovered as of Saturday morning, and the investigation continues.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation, and there is no known danger to the public at this time,” the prosecutor’s office stated in an initial release, as reported by Patch.com.
First Responder Makes Critical Discovery
Among the first to assist was an off-duty Seaside Park police officer who happened to be at a nearby convenience store. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office released audio of the officer’s 911 call, in which he can be heard requesting emergency medical services for the wounded man.
“I don’t know him, I just found him. I’m a Seaside Park Class II (officer). Picking up coffee at QuickChek. I need EMS here,” the officer told dispatchers, describing Mendez as “breathing and awake” with a stab wound to his upper left chest area.
Multi-Agency Response Coordinates Investigation
The investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the prosecutor’s office at 732-929-2027 or Toms River police at 732-349-0150.
McNeill remains in custody facing the most serious charges, while additional details about the circumstances leading to the violent confrontation have not yet been released. The case marks the first homicide reported in Toms River this year.
