Man Charged In Fatal Lacey Fight Released From Jail

LACEY, NJ — A judge freed Edward Chandler from jail Thursday, one week after he was charged with aggravated manslaughter for a fight in Lacey. Chandler was charged Oct. 1 after he punched a man who died hours later, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels released Chandler from the Ocean County Jail after reading letters supporting him, according to the Asbury Park Press. The Manalapan man's attorney also called him the unofficial mayor of his community and said he was defending a friend when he punched Robert Clarke, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Jenna Moscato asked Daniels to keep Chandler in jail without bail to await trial. Following the hearing, the prosecutor's office declined comment to Patch.

The fight occurred at about 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, the OCPO said. An argument started in the area of the Lakeside Diner, and the owner asked those involved to leave the premises, authorities said. A second argument started nearby, and Chandler struck Clarke with a closed fist, according to the OCPO.

Clarke was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center at was pronounced dead at about 1:30 a.m. Oct. 1.

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