OP-ED: The fate of two criminals, each with their own unique stories will put New Jersey’s Bail Reform Act at the center of attention in Ocean County
The New Jersey Bail Reform Act faces a significant test this month with two high-profile cases in Ocean County that have sparked intense public and legal interest. Both cases could see two very dangerous and disturbed criminals set free under the state’s pre-trial release regulations.
Both individuals pose a clear and present danger to the community.
First, Naomi Elkins, a 27-year-old mother from Lakewood, is accused of murdering her two young daughters, aged 1 and 3, whom she allegedly drowned in separate bathtubs at her residence. One of them was stabbed before being drowned.
Elkins has been charged with two counts of murder among other charges. She reportedly told investigators that she was compelled to commit the acts for “religious purposes” and is said to have been experiencing “concerning thoughts” prior to the incident.
Following the tragedy, Elkins has been ordered to remain in jail pending a psychiatric evaluation to assess her mental health, but her rights under the Bail Reform Act are still to be put to the test.
Second, in a different but equally troubling case, Elizabeth Mascarelli is charged with harboring a fugitive, Maxwell Johnston, wanted for murder, at her home in Toms River.
This situation escalated into a dangerous shootout with police, which fortunately did not result in any bystander injuries. During the standoff, Mascarelli allegedly posted videos and photos on social media that romanticized her involvement with Johnston.
These cases not only challenge the effectiveness and intentions of New Jersey’s bail reform but also bring into question the broader implications of judicial decisions on public safety and community trust in the legal system.
The outcomes of these cases could have lasting impacts on public confidence in how justice is administered in the state, especially in terms of handling individuals accused of serious crimes while considering their rights and mental health issues.
Bail reform was designed to level the playing field between the disadvantaged and the rest of the population. Neither of these cases are about disenfranchised individuals seeking a fair shake. These cases represent the worst society has to offer and if either is set free under bail reform, the system is truly broken.