Ocean County, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced the charge of Strict Liability Drug Induced Death against James Liu, 30, of Ocean Township, Monmouth County, following the death of a 33-year-old male from Berkeley Township on December 26. The victim was found deceased from an apparent drug overdose after officers responded to a report at a Berkeley Township residence. The investigation revealed Liu supplied the victim with Heroin/Fentanyl, leading to his arrest and initial charges on December 28.
Subsequent to the initial arrest, further investigation and toxicology reports confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system, directly linking it as the cause of death. Consequently, on February 15th, Liu was charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. Liu surrendered to the authorities on February 20th and is currently held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
This case underscores the serious consequences of narcotics distribution and the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related offenses in the community.