Police Warn: NJ Murder Suspect on the Loose

Manchester police and the Ocean County Prosector's office are asking for the public's help in finding a suspect wanted for the murder of a Seaside Heights woman on June 27th in Manchester Township.

Authorities have charged 35-year-old Maxwell Johnson with the murder of Gabriella Caroleo, a 25-year-old Seaside Heights woman.

A manhunt has begun for Johnson, who remains on the loose and is considered a fugitive of justice.

Police say that on June 27th, at 4:55, Manchester Police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a gunshot victim in the area of Ridgeway Road and Hope Chapel Road in Manchester Township.

Police arrived on the scene and discovered Ms. Caroleo with a gunshot wound to the stomach.

Read More:  Police Investigate Murder in Central Jersey Suburb (wfpg.com)

Ms. Caroleo was airlifted to Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she later passed.

In a statement released by Ocean Couty Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer,

We have been working diligently with our law enforcement partners to locate Johnson. Great teamwork has been exhibited by all of the respective law enforcement agencies and officers involved in this investigation. We are focused on finding Johnson and bring him into custody. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Maxwell Johnson should contact Detective Denis Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 2476, or Detective Richard Conklin of the Manchester Township Police Department at 732-657-2009, extension 4211.

In addition to the murder charge, Johnson has been charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, all arising out of the same incident.

Authorities stress that if you see Maxwell Johnson, you should not approach him.  He should be considered armed and dangerous.  Call 9-1-1.

Authorities remind you that the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.