Prosecutor: Ocean County Suspect Killed Man With Fatal Punch

A 29-year-old Ocean County man was arrested Thursday and charged with murdering a man he struck in a fight, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson.

Filiberto Jimenez-Villanueva, 29, of Lakewood was arrested on a charge of first degree murder in the death of Adan Anaya Morales, 56, of Lakewood, according to OCPO.

Filiberto was taken into custody by members of the Lakewood Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit at approximately 8 a.m. at the corner of Monmouth Avenue and 2nd Street in Lakewood while awaiting a ride to work, according to the OCPO.

The charges stem from an investigation which began on Sunday. At approximately 6 p.m. on that date, a verbal altercation occurred between the victim, Morales, and the defendant in the area of 118 Monmouth Avenue in Lakewood, according to the OPCPO.

The defendant ultimately struck Morales and knocked him to the ground. The defendant then fled the area. A concerned citizen discoveredMorales unconscious in the parking lot of 118 Monmouth Avenue, according to OCPO.

Morales was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries on July 13, 2015, at approximately 10:42 a.m.

An autopsy conducted determined that the victim died as a result of massive head injuries. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

State Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney set bail in the amount of $750,000.00 with a no 10 percent option. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Joseph F. Mackolin and Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Tito.

Murder carries a penalty of imprisonment for a minimum of 30 years and a maximum term of life. Anyone with information concerning this case may contact Detective Chase Messer of the Lakewood Police Department at (732) 363-0200 or Detective Raymond Gardner of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (732) 929-2027.