Rock Attack Turns Fatal After Fight In South Jersey: Prosecutor

BRIDGETON, NJ — A man died from his injuries several weeks after a large rock was thrown at his head during a fight, authorities said Tuesday. A suspect was subsequently charged with manslaughter, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO).

Clememte Vazquez-Pacheco, 35, of Bridgeton, succumbed to his injuries Aug. 30 after removal from life support, the CCPO said. One person has been charged in relation to the Aug. 12 altercation, but officials are looking to identify another involved individual.

Bridgeton police were dispatched Aug. 12 to Myrtle Street for a reported assault victim. Officials found Vazquez-Pacheco at the scene and took him to Inspira Hospital in Vineland. It was later determined that he was in critical condition and suffering from a brain bleed, according to the CCPO.

Officers determined that Vazquez-Pacheco's injuries stemmed from a fight in which Julio Morales-Amilcar threw a large rock was thrown at the victim's head, authorities said. Morales-Amilcar, 24, of Bridgeton, then continued to punch and kick the victim while he was on the ground, according to law enforcement.

Morales-Amilcar was charged Aug. 17 with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was charged with manslaughter on Friday — two days after Vazquez-Pacheco died — the CCPO said.

The suspect has been in Cumberland County Jail, and the state has moved for pretrial detention.

During the ongoing investigation, authorities determined that an unidentified male subject was also involved in the altercation. Anyone with information regarding this case can contact Det. T. Garofolo at 856-451-0033, ext. 113. Those wishing to share information anonymously can visit CCPO.TIPS.