Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card
Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

Cops: Toms River Man Brought Gun to Fatal Fight

by
July 2, 2025
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TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A 30-year-old Toms River man has been charged with multiple weapons offenses stemming from a violent altercation that left one man dead and another injured on May 9, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Roderick Seward faces charges of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose after investigators determined he fired a gun during the fight on Adams Avenue.

That same altercation resulted in the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Raniek Mendez of Brick Township. Another suspect, McNeill, was previously charged with murder and is in custody awaiting trial.

Seward, who had also suffered a stab wound during the incident, turned himself in to Toms River Police on July 1 and is being held at the Ocean County Jail.

Cocaine charges also filed

Authorities had earlier charged Seward with cocaine possession and possession with intent to distribute after finding drugs in his backpack at the scene.

Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Toms River Police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit collaborated on the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News