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Man with history of crime opens fire, leaving woman brain dead in Gillette shooting
Javier Abeyta allegedly opens fire, leaving woman brain dead in Gillette shooting
GILLETTE, Wyo. — A man has been charged after he allegedly shot a woman at a residence on O’Henry Drive while exhibiting erratic behavior. Javier Abeyta, 43, reportedly gunned down Marissa Allen on the night of October 9 after she tried to take a pistol away from him.
According to an arrest affidavit, Abeyta had been using methamphetamine before the shooting. Witnesses say he opened fire when Allen attempted to disarm him during a confrontation. The police report noted that Allen’s boyfriend was also involved in the incident.
Allen reportedly observed Abeyta with a “blank stare” before he aimed his weapon at her boyfriend. The gun malfunctioned while targeting the boyfriend, leading Abeyta to then shoot Allen.
After the incident, Abeyta allegedly admitted to shooting Allen to a witness. “I shot her,” he reportedly said.
Abeyta’s sister informed the police that he had been acting paranoid and required medical attention earlier that day. Witnesses described him as believing that others were trying to kill him.
Law enforcement recovered evidence, including a bullet from the drywall and the 9 mm handgun connected to Abeyta. Following the shooting, Allen was transported to a hospital and later airlifted to a medical center in Colorado, where she was declared brain dead.
Authorities indicate that Abeyta has a significant criminal history, with multiple previous arrests. He was being held on a $1 million bond for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault, with potential upgrades to murder charges pending Allen’s condition.
Gunfire erupted, leaving one woman dead and raising questions about Abeyta’s mental state.
Toms River man sentenced to six years in prison for firearm offense
Toms River man sentenced to six years in prison for firearm offense
TOMS RIVER, NJ – Amir Reid, 32, of Toms River, was sentenced to six years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C. on October 10. The sentence includes a five-year period of parole ineligibility following Reid’s guilty plea to being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm.
The incident leading to the sentence took place on July 2, 2023, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Officers from the South Toms River Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2016 Chevrolet Impala after discovering that the vehicle’s registration was expired.
During the stop, Reid was driving the vehicle with a male passenger. Officers reported that Reid could not provide valid proof of registration or insurance. The officers then ordered both occupants to exit the vehicle while the South Toms River Police Department Narcotics Detection K-9 Unit performed an open-air sniff.
The K-9 alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered a quantity of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm Taurus semi-automatic handgun. Due to a prior conviction for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Reid was classified as a Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm in New Jersey.
Both Reid and the passenger were taken into custody and charged. They were transported to the Ocean County Jail but later released due to New Jersey Bail Reform. Reid exonerated the co-defendant passenger on the day of his guilty plea, leading to dismissal of charges against that individual.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended Assistant Prosecutor Lynn Juan and the South Toms River Police Department for their roles in this case. “We appreciate the diligent efforts of all involved in bringing this case to a close.”
Reid’s sentencing underscores the state’s commitment to enforcing strict firearm possession laws while emphasizing police and prosecutorial cooperation.
A Toms River man faces significant prison time for illegally possessing a firearm.
Hazlet man pleads guilty to dealing cocaine
Hazlet man pleads guilty to narcotics distribution
HAZLET TOWNSHIP, NJ — Brandon Torsiello, 25, pled guilty to possession of more than one half ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute on October 6 before Judge Guy P. Ryan in connection with an incident from March 6 in Brick Township. The state plans to seek a five-year prison sentence at his sentencing hearing on December 5.
On December 5, officers from the Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit observed Torsiello engaged in actions consistent with a controlled dangerous substance transaction. As Torsiello left a parking lot, detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was called to the scene. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of Torsiello’s vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for narcotics.
Torsiello was arrested and taken to Brick Township Police Headquarters. A search at the headquarters revealed cocaine, methamphetamine, Xanax, and suboxone, leading to charges against him.
On December 7, detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant on Torsiello’s vehicle. This search yielded additional cocaine and other controlled substances.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke in handling the case. Billhimer also commended the Brick Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the investigation.
Torsiello remains in custody at the Ocean County Jail. His sentencing is scheduled for December 5, where he faces a lengthy prison term.
Torsiello’s guilty plea marks a significant step in law enforcement efforts against drug distribution in the area.
