TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A 45-year-old Lakewood man was found dead in a waterway behind a residential neighborhood in Toms River on Friday, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Julian Lopez-Martinez was discovered by officers from the Toms River Township Police Department around April 25 in the vicinity of Point O’ Woods Drive. Responding officers retrieved the body from the water and transferred it to the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.
Key Points
- Julian Lopez-Martinez, 45, was found dead in water behind Point O’ Woods Drive in Toms River.
- No signs of trauma were observed on the body, per the Medical Examiner.
- Authorities say the death does not appear suspicious and is pending toxicology.
Authorities awaiting toxicology to determine cause
A preliminary autopsy revealed no visible signs of trauma, officials said. The cause of death remains undetermined pending toxicology results, which are currently being processed.
“The death of Mr. Lopez-Martinez does not appear to be suspicious at this time,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer in a statement.
Police have not disclosed how long the body may have been in the water before discovery or who reported the incident. No additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the discovery have been released.
No foul play suspected in ongoing investigation
The investigation remains ongoing, though officials emphasized there is no indication of foul play. Lopez-Martinez’s next of kin have been notified.
The area where the body was found is located near a wooded section behind several homes on Point O’ Woods Drive. It is unclear whether Lopez-Martinez had any connection to the neighborhood.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Toms River Police Department are working jointly on the case, with further updates expected upon completion of the toxicology screening.
Awaiting toxicology results to close the case
Until results are finalized, officials have not ruled on an official cause or manner of death. The timeline for toxicology processing was not disclosed.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Toms River Police Department.