Murder Convictions For 2 In Toms River Shooting

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Two Toms River men have been found guilty of murder in connection with the Oct. 11, 2020 shooting death of a Bayville resident, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

After a three-week trial, Daivon Sullivan, 21, and Leyron Jones, 26, were found guilty of murder in the death of Javon Cutler, as well as conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder relating to a second victim, and unlawful possession of a weapon, Billhimer said. Sullivan was also found guilty of attempted murder to a third victim, Billhimer said.

The jury concluded that beyond a reasonable doubt Sullivan and Jones knowingly or purposely caused Cutler's death or knowingly or purposely caused serious bodily injury that resulted in Cutler's death, Billhimer said.

Their sentencing is set for Oct. 20, at which time they face life in prison.

A third defendant, Shadrach Correa, 21, also of Toms River was discovered to have worked with Sullivan and Jones in carrying out the shooting that killed Butler, Billhimer said. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Correa's sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 8; his sentence will be left to the court's discretion, Billhimer said.

Cutler, 19, and two friends were leaving the Toms River Apartments on Main Street about 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 11 when someone began shooting at the vehicle, Billhimer said. Cutler, who was sitting in the back seat, was struck in the head. The driver of the vehicle drove him straight to Community Medical Center, and then Cutler was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he died Oct. 14.

The Ocean County Medical Examiner ruled Cutler's death was caused by the "intermediate-distance gunshot wound to the head," Billhimer said.

Correa, Sullivan and Jones were charged Oct. 28, 2020 in Cutler's killing. Correa had been arrested Oct. 23 in connection with an unrelated incident, he said. Sullivan and Jones were arrested Oct. 29 and all three have been held in the Ocean County Jail since then.

This article contains additional reporting by Karen Wall.