Toms River Man Killed In Howell Crash Was Local Hip-Hop Artist: Report

HOWELL, NJ — A Toms River man has been identified as one of two men killed in a single-car crash in Howell Township Friday evening, police said Saturday.

Justin Mercer, 25, of Toms River, and Ronald S. McGhee, 31, of Manchester, were pronounced dead at the scene, Howell Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez said.

Mercer was a budding hip-hop artist, according to a report by NJ 101.5, which said his stage name was Pockets Marley.

Details on the crash, which happened about 5:30 p.m. Friday on Hurley Pond Road, remained sketchy Saturday.

Antunez said police responded to the crash on Hurley Pond Road and found a gold Honda Accord had left the road and struck several trees. McGhee was the driver, and Mercer was in the front passenger seat, he said.

The crash initially caused police to close Route 547 from Interstate 195 to Farmingdale, but that was later opened. Hurley Pond Road was closed from Route 547 to the Wall Township border for several hours while police investigated at the scene.

The crash is still under investigation, Antunez said, by Howell Township Police Traffic Safety Officer Patrolman. Matthew Cherney.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Howell Police at 732-938-4111.

Additional responding units included the Howell Township Police EMS, Howell First Aid, MONOC Paramedics, Squankum Fire Department and the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team, he said.

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