Authorities: Ocean County Man Wanted Attorney Shot in Head, Body Burned and Dumped in Water

Authorities: Ocean County Man Wanted Attorney Shot in Head, Body Burned and Dumped in Water

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced the arrest of Michael Nocera, 43, of Beachwood for the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

 

The arrest took place on Thursday (2/8), following an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime / Homicide Unit, with the Assistance of the Ocean County Department of Corrections.  The investigation began in late December 2017 when the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office was made aware that Nocera, an inmate at the Ocean County Jail, had conversations expressing his wish that his attorney be killed.

 

The partnering agencies enlisted the help of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit in order to confirm and immortalize Nocera’s murder solicitations.  During the conversations, Nocera stated that he wanted his attorney kidnapped, driven to a wooded area and shot in the head.  He provided additional instructions for the disposal of the body, requesting victim be burned and his remains disposed of in a body of water.  Nocera was offering a payment of (30) thirty thousand dollars that would be paid upon completion of the act.

 

Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater reviewed the case investigation and approved the above charge.  Nocera remains incarcerated in the Ocean County Jail.

 

The media and the public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.