Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights
Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights

Three charged in deadly South Jersey shooting that left 20-year-old man dead gunshot wound to head

August 17, 2025

Millville, NJ – Authorities have charged three individuals in connection with the fatal shooting of Thomas Smith III, 20, who was gunned down Friday evening near High and Oak Streets in Millville, the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office announced Sunday.

Police responded to the area around 6:53 p.m. and discovered Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He later died from his injuries.

Following an investigation led by the Millville Police Department and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, three suspects were identified and charged in connection with Smith’s death: Jequise R. Forrest, 19, of Millville; Alonzo E. Mincey, 19, of Vineland; and Jerramiah Michael, whose age and hometown were not disclosed in the release.

All three face multiple charges, including first-degree murder and first-degree conspiracy to commit murder.

Forrest faces the most extensive list of charges, including six additional counts ranging from aggravated assault to unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a high-capacity magazine. Mincey was charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. Details on the charges against Michael were not outlined in the initial release.

Officials did not comment on a motive for the killing, and it remains unclear how the suspects and the victim knew each other.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Key Points

  • Thomas Smith III, 20, was fatally shot in the head Friday evening in Millville
  • Three individuals were charged with murder and conspiracy in connection with his death
  • The suspects include Jequise R. Forrest, Alonzo E. Mincey, and Jerramiah Michael

Three face murder charges after 20-year-old shot in head in Millville

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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