Crime & Safety
NJ Teen Killed Housemate After Argument Over Cleaning Dog Crate: Report
A South Jersey teen has been charged with murder and weapons offenses after his housemate was found dead, authorities said.
UPPER DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Cumberland County teen was charged with murder Saturday after his housemate was found dead, authorities said.
The shooting stemmed from an argument over cleaning the inside of a dog crate, according to NJ Advance Media.
In the early morning, police responded to a reported shooting at a home on Quail Ridge Road in Upper Deerfield Township, officials said. A resident — identified as Joe Williams, 51 — succumbed to his injuries, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.
Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Jah'lyll Lawrence, who also lives there, was arrested that day. The 18-year-old was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon (handgun), and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Lawrence is currently detained, and the state will move for pretrial detention.
Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the State Police Bridgeton Station at 856-451-0101. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CCPO.TIPS.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
