TOMS RIVER – A Newark teenager pled guilty to charges of aggravated assault for two stabbings in Point Pleasant Beach last fall according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
The Prosecutor announced that on May 13, Juwan Roman, 18, pled guilty before Judge Wendel E. Daniels, to two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in Point Pleasant Beach on the afternoon of September 7, 2020.
Roman was 17 years at that time and earlier this week, he voluntarily waived jurisdiction of the Family Court — which handles juvenile delinquency matters. He agreed to be prosecuted as an adult and in so doing, these charges were contemplated in connection with his voluntary waiver to Criminal Court.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 9 at which time the State will recommend that he be sentenced to a term of seven years in New Jersey State Prison. Roman will face the terms of the No Early Release Act.
Around 3:30 p.m. on the day of the incident, Point Pleasant Beach Police responded to multiple 911 calls for reports of a fight on Jenkinson’s Beach. Officers discovered Alex Galdamez, 22, and William Mazariego, 18, both of West Haverstraw, New York, suffering from multiple stab wounds. They were both taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment.
It was revealed following an investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Point Pleasant Beach Police that Roman was responsible for the stabbings. He was taken into custody without incident at the scene, and lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center where he has remained since September 7, 2020.
Prosecutor Billhimer noted the work of Chief Juvenile Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Pierro and Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski who handled the case on behalf of the State. He also thanked the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Jenkinson’s Lifeguards, Jenkinson’s security staff and management for their collaborative efforts in connection with the investigation.
The case ultimately led to Roman’s guilty pleas, and pending state prison sentence.
