TOMS RIVER, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Daivon Sullivan, 21, and Leyron Jones, 26, both of Toms River, were found guilty of Murder in connection with the shooting death of Javon Cutler. The incident occurred in Toms River on October 11, 2020, following a three-week-long jury trial before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P.
The jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Sullivan and Jones knowingly caused the death of Mr. Cutler or caused serious bodily injury resulting in his death. They were also found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Attempted Murder regarding a second victim, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Sullivan was found guilty of Attempted Murder for a third victim. The two are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ryan on October 20, where they each face life in prison.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed the events of the night. On October 11, 2020, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Javon Cutler, 19, of Bayville, and two friends were attempting to leave Toms River Apartments when an unknown individual opened fire on their vehicle. Mr. Cutler was struck in the head and later died at Jersey Shore Medical Center on October 14, 2020. The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be an intermediate-distance gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation identified that Sullivan, Jones, and a third defendant, Shadrach Correa, 21, of Toms River, acted together in the shooting. All three were charged with Mr. Cutler’s murder on October 28, 2020. Sullivan and Jones were taken into custody on October 29, 2020, while Correa had been in jail on unrelated charges since October 23, 2020.
Correa pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon on April 24. His sentencing is scheduled for September 8, and the decision will be left to the Court’s discretion.
