MANCHESTER – Murder charges have been filed a week after a body was found in a wooded area “in a state of advanced decomposition,” police said.
Local authorities were called to the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Manchester after a body was discovered on December 14. This is a large open space area that touches the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest and Double Trouble State Park.
The next day, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the victim’s death was caused by multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. The murder was estimated to have taken place in Manchester on or about October 22, 2024.
With assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the body was identified as Kuldeep Kumar, 35, of India. He had been reported missing by family members in Ozone Park, New York, on October 26, 2024.
Four suspects were arrested on December 20. Sourav Kumar, 23; Gaurav Singh, 27, Nirmal Singh, 30, and Gurdeep Singh, 22, all of Greenwood, Indiana, were charged with Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.
“The investigative efforts leading to the arrest of these defendants were nothing short of outstanding, and the teamwork exhibited by all the participating agencies truly exemplifies the best in law enforcement,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. “Collaborating with our law enforcement partners, particularly the FBI and NJSP, lead to the identification of our victim and the swift apprehension of these defendants in Indiana. I want to express my deepest gratitude for their assistance in this investigation.”
“The charges brought against the individuals in connection with this tragic murder in Manchester Township reflect the tireless commitment of our detectives and the outstanding collaborative efforts of law enforcement at every level,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Justice for victims and their families is always our highest priority, and this case is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and determination of those who worked relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable.”
Prosecutor Billhimer and Colonel Callahan commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Unit, New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Manchester Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement and Removal Operations at United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New Jersey Conservation Police, New York City Police Department, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey Police Department, Hightstown Police Department, City of Greenwood (Indiana) Police Department, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation, leading to the swift apprehension of these defendants.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
