Man Charged In Fentanyl Death Of Berkeley Man: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — A Monmouth County man has been charged in connection with the overdose death of a Berkeley resident, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

James Liu, 30, was charged with strict liability drug induced death in connection with the 33-year-old Berkeley man's death on Dec. 26, 2023, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Police responded to the Berkeley home on Dec. 26 for a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, police found the man already dead of an apparent overdose, Billhimer said.

Subsequent investigation found that Liu, an Ocean Township resident, had supplied the man with heroin/fentanyl prior to his death, according to Billhimer.

Detectives surveilled Liu on Dec. 28 and saw him driving near his home, Billhimer said. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Liu and took him into custody.

Liu was initially charged with possession of heroin/fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of heroin/fentanyl and possession of crack cocaine. He was issued these charges on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Further investigation and toxicology analysis found fentanyl in the Berkeley man's system, and the fentanyl was ruled to be the cause of his death, Billhimer said. Subsequently, Liu was charged with strict liability drug induced death on Feb. 15 and a warrant was issued for his arrest, Billhimer said.

Liu surrendered himself to Berkeley police on Feb. 20 and was taken to Ocean County Jail, where he sits pending a detention hearing, Billhimer said.