TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A Jackson Township man charged in the fatal shooting of a Brick Township resident earlier this month will remain in custody pending trial, a judge ruled Thursday.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Judge Wendel E. Daniels, J.S.C. (retired and temporarily assigned on recall), ordered 32-year-old Steven McNeill to remain detained at the Ocean County Jail following a pretrial detention hearing.
McNeill is facing multiple charges in connection with the May 9 death of 34-year-old Raniek Mendez, including Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Certain Persons Not to Possess a Weapon, and Eluding.
Authorities said the charges stem from a series of incidents that took place on the same day in Toms River. No additional details regarding the events leading to the fatal shooting were released.
McNeill’s continued detention means he will remain in jail without bail as he awaits trial in Ocean County Superior Court.
Additional charges tied to same incident
Prosecutors allege McNeill not only murdered Mendez but also attempted to kill another individual during the same episode on May 9. The exact timeline and motive remain under investigation.
McNeill is also charged with being a certain person not to possess a weapon, which applies to individuals barred from firearm possession due to prior convictions or legal restrictions.
Officials have not released further information on the suspect’s background or criminal history, and no court date has been announced.
Steven McNeill will stay behind bars as he awaits trial for the May 9 murder of Raniek Mendez in Toms River.
