TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Seaside Heights woman has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in connection with a July 2024 killing tied to a gruesome case that included another murder and a suicide, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday.
Elizabeth Mascarelli, 29, entered her guilty plea on December 9 before Judge Guy P. Ryan in the death of Kerry Rollason, 56, of Toms River. The state plans to seek a 25-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison under the No Early Release Act at Mascarelli’s sentencing on January 31, 2025.
The case began on June 27, 2024, when Gabriella Caroleo, 25, of Seaside Heights, was murdered in Manchester. The investigation into that crime led authorities to a Toms River residence on Ravenwood Drive on July 5, where they attempted to arrest Maxwell Johnston, 35, of Manchester. Johnston, the primary suspect in Caroleo’s murder, barricaded himself inside the home alongside Mascarelli.
After hours of negotiations, Mascarelli exited the home with injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Police entered the residence using a drone and discovered Johnston deceased in a bedroom from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two firearms, including a defaced .22 caliber handgun and a 9mm handgun, were recovered at the scene.
Investigators later determined that Mascarelli had knowingly harbored Johnston for four days, despite being aware of his involvement in Caroleo’s murder. She was subsequently charged with harboring a fugitive and held at the Ocean County Jail.
The plea agreement in Rollason’s death marks the resolution of Mascarelli’s role in a case that left two people dead and shocked the community.
A deadly standoff and tragic murders now conclude with Mascarelli facing decades behind bars for her role in the violent events.