FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced that a grand jury has indicted Lydell Brown, 19, and Joseph Argilagos, 17, for a fatal shooting in Asbury Park last year. Argilagos, initially protected due to his juvenile status, was waived to adult court earlier this week.
Both Brown and Argilagos face first-degree murder and two related second-degree weapons offenses. On July 8, 2022, Asbury Park Police responded to gunfire reports near the intersection of Prospect and Atlantic Avenues. They found 19-year-old Dariel Vernet with multiple gunshot wounds; he was later pronounced dead at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
The investigation led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Asbury Park Police identified both suspects as residents of Asbury Park. Argilagos was arrested days after the incident, and Brown was apprehended in Toms River in May 2023, in a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Both defendants are in custody pending trial, following motions filed by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Santiago elaborated on the decision to waive Argilagos to adult court, stating that factors such as the crime’s severity, the defendant’s age, and culpability were considered. “In this case, considering that a life was taken in such intentional and violent fashion, we strongly believe that this waiver serves the interests of justice,” said Santiago.
The investigation remains open, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Christopher Guy at 800-533-7443 or Detective Anthony Troublefield at 732-774-1300.
Assistant Prosecutors Caitlin J. Sidley and Alexandra Strzykalski have been assigned to the case. Argilagos is represented by John J. Perrone, Esq., and Brown by Emeka Nkwuo, Esq.