Door-To-Door Salesman From Old Bridge Charged In Fatal Stabbing After Sales Attempt

JACKSON, NJ — A door-to-door salesman from Old Bridge has been charged with murder after authorities say he stabbed a man in the neck during an argument following a sales attempt in Jackson, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday.

Michael Tsamas, 32, of the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridge Township, has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon in the death of Joseph Delgardio, 44, of Jackson, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Police Chief Michael Kunz said in a joint announcement.

Jackson police were called about 6:15 p.m. Thursday to West Veterans Highway and Conor Road, officials said. Delgardio was found lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the road, and when police arrived firefighters were performing CPR. But attempts to save his life were not successful, and Delgardio was pronounced dead at the scene, the prosecutor's office said.

Investigators learned Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on door-to-door basis. Tsamas knocked on Delgardio's door in an attempt to solicit his business and left when Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested.

A few minutes later, however, Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a fight ensued, the prosecutor's office said. During the fight, Tsamas pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed Delgardio in the neck, the prosecutor's office said.

Tsamas was arrested at the scene and is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit and Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township police, and the Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit investigated, authorities said.