Opening Statements in Former Englishtown Officer Murder Trial Expected Today

A jury has been selected and opening arguments are expected to begin on Wednesday in the trial of Jahmell Crockam, the alleged killer of Lakewood police officer and Manchester resident Christopher Matlosz. 

Jury selection concluded last week before Ocean County Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels, reports the Asbury Park Press, and pretrial motions were heard Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon to determine if an eyewitness account was admissible.

A jury of 16 — four of whom are alternates — was selected to hear the trial of Crockam, who was 19-years-old when he allegedly shot Matlosz three times in Lakewood during what authorities described as a routine stop last January, . 

Crockam fled the scene and was captured in a Camden apartment by a high-risk entry team two days later.

In addition to the police officer murder charge, Crockam and another Lakewood resident, Darius Johnson, also known as "Money," are charged with the murder of Lakewood resident Justin Williams. Crockam was also charged with unlawful possession of hollow nose bullets in the fourth degree.

earlier this month to mark the anniversary of Matlosz' death.