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South Toms River man held without bail in wife’s murder case

South toms river man held without bail in wife's murder case - photo licensed by shore news network.

South Toms River Man Detained on Murder Charges

**South Toms River, NJ** – On March 18, 2025, Gustavo Juarez-Perez, aged 38, from South Toms River, agreed to remain in custody at the Ocean County Jail awaiting trial. He faces charges of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in connection with the March 8, 2025, death of his wife, Cheyanne Juarez, aged 30.

The decision for Juarez-Perez to remain detained was made before the Honorable David M. Fritch, J.S.C., during a hearing. Assistant Prosecutor Nicholas Mezza represented the case at the detention hearing.

These charges are accusations, and the public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office continues to handle the case.

Further details on the proceedings or future court dates have not been disclosed at this time.

Prosecutor’s Office Investigating Serious Eight Vehicle Crash in Lakewood

Lakewood police dept.

Eight-Vehicle Crash in Lakewood Investigated

**Lakewood, NJ** – On March 7, 2025, at approximately 5:50 a.m., a multiple-vehicle crash occurred on Route 70 and Airport Road. Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to the scene and determined that eight vehicles were involved in the crash.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from other agencies, conducted a thorough investigation. It was revealed that a Cadillac CT5 Blackwing was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane at a high speed. The Cadillac collided head-on with a Mazda CX5, then struck additional vehicles before coming to rest, subsequently catching fire.

The driver of the Cadillac was extracted and airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, before being transported to Weill Cornell Medicine Burn Center in New York City, where he remains in critical condition. The driver of the Mazda was also airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and is in critical condition. The drivers of the remaining vehicles were not injured.

The crash is under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.