FREEHOLD – Two local men were charged in connection with the fatal shooting that took place in Asbury Park on February 2, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Thursday.
Eddy Vilus, 30, and Quamere M. Smith, 31, both of Asbury Park, were charged with the shooting death of God Allah, 21, also of Asbury Park. Vilus was arrested on Friday, February 10, and both he and Smith were each charged with one count of first-degree Murder, one count of first-degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder, one count of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, one count of second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, one count of second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Arson, one count of third-degree Hindering Apprehension of Oneself, one count of third-degree Hindering Apprehension of Another and one count of third-degree Theft. Smith was presented with his charges at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) as he was being detained on charges stemming from a separate incident.
At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, members of the Asbury Park Police Department responded to the area of Ridge and Springwood Avenues for a report of shots fired. At that location the officers located Allah, who had sustained a gunshot wound. He was transported to Jersey Shore Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased shortly before 2:45 p.m.
An investigation involving members of the MCPO Major Crimes Bureau and Asbury Park Police Department revealed that Vilus and Smith were responsible for the murder of Allah. The Hindering charges stem from the destruction of evidence by Smith.
Vilus and Smith are being held at the MCCI pending their detention hearings.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact MCPO Detective Stephen Cavendish at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective James Crawford at 732-774-1300.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the Crime Stoppers website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Cummings.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
