LAKEWOOD, NJ – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Jorge Santiago-Garcia, 32, of Lakewood, was charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.
On August 31, 2020, Officers of the Lakewood Township Police Department were called to a business on 2nd Ave in Lakewood in response to multiple 911 calls indicating that an individual had been stabbed at that location. Responding Officers found a 29 year-old male with a stab wound to his chest. Medical units transported the victim to Jersey Shore University Medical Center; lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and he was subsequently pronounced dead. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Lakewood Police Department identified Jorge Santiago-Garcia as the individual who stabbed and killed the victim. Santiago-Garcia was arrested and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. The victim’s name is being withheld at this time pending next-of-kin notification.
Prosecutor Billhimer wishes to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their outstanding and collaborative efforts in this investigation which lead to Santiago-Garcia’s swift apprehension.
The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
