Colts Neck Murder Investigation Continues: County Prosecutor

COLTS NECK, NJ – More than two years later, authorities are still looking for clues into the 2018 murder of a Neptune City man in Colts Neck. In a statement released on Wednesday, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said that the investigation still remains active and urges anyone with information to come forward.

On April 29, 2018, Colts Neck police officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Route 18 south of Route 537. The driver of the vehicle was Earl Sanders, 54, of Neptune City.

While Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene, a 52-year-old passenger was transported to a nearby hospital and was treated for minor injuries. The pair were traveling back from a birthday party at the Elks Club in Freehold.

An investigation found that Sanders was driving southbound on Route 18 when an unknown assailant or assailants pulled up next to the vehicle and shot Sanders several times. Sanders subsequently lost control of his vehicle and struck a guardrail by the Route 537 exit, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.

“Through the hard work and tenacity of our investigative team, we have been able to identify persons of interest,” said the prosecutor. “Now, we are calling on citizens in the community to come forward and help provide the additional pieces of the puzzle we need to arrest those responsible.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Det. Ryan Mahony at 1-800-533-7443 or Colts Neck Police Department Det. Steven DeCaesar at (732) 780-7323.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling the confidential telephone tip line at 1-800-671-4400 or by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app.

Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any suspect in the murder of Earl Sanders.

Have a news tip? Email nicole.rosenthal@patch.com.
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