Salem, NJ — A 27-year-old Woodstown man wanted in the fatal shooting of his aunt fled across multiple South Jersey counties before authorities tracked him down and arrested him in Camden, bringing a days-long homicide investigation to a critical turning point.
Leroy Martin Jr. faces charges of murder, criminal restraint, and weapons offenses in connection with the May 30 killing of 59-year-old Jacqueline Martin at a home on Lee Street in Woodstown, according to the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities announced his capture after a coordinated search involving the U.S. Marshals Service and numerous local, county, and state law enforcement agencies.
Investigators Say Domestic Dispute Preceded Fatal Shooting
Woodstown Police Department officers responded at approximately 5:31 p.m. on May 30 to 51 B Lee Street for a well-being check.
After entering the residence, officers found Jacqueline Martin dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators later determined that Leroy Martin Jr., who lived with the victim and is her nephew, had been involved in a domestic dispute with her shortly before the shooting.
Authorities said Martin fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle moments after the killing.
The vehicle was recovered the following day, May 31, in Camden, providing investigators with an early lead as they worked to locate the suspect.
Key Points
• Leroy Martin Jr., 27, faces murder charges in the fatal shooting of his aunt, Jacqueline Martin, 59.
• Investigators say the suspect fled Woodstown in the victim’s vehicle after the May 30 killing.
• U.S. Marshals and multiple law enforcement agencies arrested Martin in Camden without incident.
Search Spanned Several South Jersey Counties
As investigators worked to track Martin’s movements, evidence suggested he had traveled through portions of Salem, Gloucester, Camden, and possibly Cumberland counties while attempting to evade arrest.
The multi-day search drew support from numerous agencies as authorities sought to locate a suspect accused of a violent family homicide.
According to the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, continuous investigative efforts ultimately led law enforcement to Camden, where Martin was found and taken into custody.
Arrest Made Without Incident
Members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Martin in Camden without incident, authorities said.
The task force includes officers and investigators from federal, state, county, and local agencies working together to locate fugitives wanted on serious criminal charges.
Participating agencies included the U.S. Marshals Service, Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey State Parole, Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Police Department, Pennsauken Police Department, Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department, and the Atlantic City Police Department.
The extensive law enforcement effort reflects the urgency investigators placed on locating