Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and South Toms River Police Chief William Kosh announced that on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Shakem Hunley, age 24, of Freehold, surrendered himself to the Toms River Police Department. Hunley was wanted in connection with charges stemming from a shooting that took place in South Toms River on August 25, 2019.
“Shortly after our community meeting last night at Second Baptist Church in South Toms River, it is my understanding that Shakem Hunley turned himself in,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Hopefully the residents of South Toms River can rest a little easier today knowing Hunley is custody,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.
Hunley was charged on September 5, 2019, with three counts of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1); one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1); and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1). A search warrant executed at a residence in Lakewood, on September 6, 2019, resulted in the arrest of Nagee Covington, age 19, of Lakewood. A warrant was issued for Hunley’s arrest. On September 10, 2019, Hunley surrendered himself at Toms River Township Police Headquarters. He was processed and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
On August 25, 2019, South Toms River Police were summoned to a residence by way of a 9-1-1 call reporting gunshots. At the scene, police found a male victim with a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was treated for his injuries. Two additional gunshot victims were transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment. A female victim located at the scene was determined to have been physically assaulted.
The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.