TOMS RIVER –A Manchester teenager pled guilty to aggravated manslaughter in relation to the murder of his mother last summer.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer reported on Jan. 17 that Edgar Diaz, 18, pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter with regard to the killing of his mother, Margarita Diaz Edgar Diaz entered his guilty plea before the Judge Wendel E. Daniels on Jan. 17.
Diaz’ guilty plea to Aggravated Manslaughter was contemplated in connection with his voluntary waiver of the Family Court’s jurisdiction earlier in the week, and his further agreement to be charged and prosecuted as an adult in Criminal Court. He was 17 years of age when the crime occurred.
The State will recommend Diaz serve 20 years in New Jersey State Prison when he is sentenced on March 6. His sentence would be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.
At 8:42 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2019 Toms River police were dispatched to Deer Chase Professional Park for reports of an assault. The officers arrived and found an unresponsive female and despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center.
An investigation by members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Edgar Diaz attacked his mother following an argument, stabbed her with a knife, and slammed her head into the pavement outside their parked vehicle at the Deer Chase Professional Park.
Edgar Diaz has been lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center since his apprehension on Aug 13, 2019.
Prosecutor Billhimer described the crime as “a horrific, bone-chilling event that rocked our community and destroyed a family. I cannot comprehend as to why this young man would senselessly take the life of his own mother, but justice for Margarita will be served.”
“I want to acknowledge the fine work of Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony Pierro and Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski, who skillfully prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. I would also extend my gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collective assistance in solving this horrendous crime in less than one week, and swiftly removing this dangerous young man from our community,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.
