A New Jersey woman admitted to aggravated assault after prosecutors say she shot a 79-year-old man and fled the scene, but the victim’s request for leniency helped shape the outcome
Toms River, NJ — A Jackson Township woman who admitted shooting a 79-year-old man in the shoulder is headed toward state prison after pleading guilty, with prosecutors saying the victim’s desire for mercy played a key role in the plea agreement.
Marian Rojas, 34, pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated assault in connection with the Oct. 24, 2025, shooting, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors said they will seek a seven-year New Jersey State Prison sentence when Rojas is sentenced on Aug. 24. The sentence would be subject to the No Early Release Act.
The case began at approximately 9:15 p.m. when Jackson Township police responded to a residence on Jackson Pines Road following reports of a shooting.
Officers found a 79-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
The victim was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of injuries described by authorities as minor. He was later released.
Investigators determined that Rojas was the person who shot the victim before leaving the area, according to prosecutors.
A description of Rojas and her vehicle was distributed to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
About 45 minutes later, Manchester Township police stopped a vehicle matching the description and took Rojas into custody without incident.
She has remained detained in the Ocean County Jail since her arrest.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said the plea agreement was reached after extensive discussions with the victim, who requested leniency for Rojas.
According to Billhimer, prosecutors would not have considered the agreement without the victim’s support for a more merciful resolution.
The investigation involved the Jackson Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Key Points
- A Jackson Township woman pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in a shooting that wounded a 79-year-old man.
- Prosecutors said the victim survived a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was later released from the hospital.
- The State plans to seek a seven-year prison sentence at sentencing in August.
