Crime & Safety

Trial Date Set for Alleged Killer of Officer Matlosz

Jury selection in the murder trial will begin early next year

The trial of the man accused of killing a Lakewood police officer in January will begin early next year, according to Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Mohel said that jury selection in the trial of Jahmell Crockam, the 19-year-old Lakewood man  Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz, 27, of Manchester, will begin the week of January 16, 2012.

Crockam, also known as "Sav," allegedly  on Jan. 14 during what authorities described as a routine stop in Lakewood.

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The suspect 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.

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Crockam was also charged with unlawful possession of hollow nose bullets in the fourth degree.

Mohel said that it was unclear when the other charges will go to trial. A secretary at the Ocean County Courthouse's criminal division said that status conferences for both of those cases are scheduled for Sept. 27.

Information about Williams' death came about as authorities looked into the killing of Matlosz.

Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford said Crockam and Johnson allegedly dumped the body on Ridge Road where it was found by a pedestrian.

Crockam is being held at the Ocean County Jail on $5 million bail.


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