Fifth person charged after NJ detective killed in home invasion: police

BRIDGETON, NJ – A fifth person has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of New Jersey District Attorney Detective Sergeant Monica Mosley, who was shot during a violent home invasion in October.

The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office announced that 35-year-old Byron Thomas of Paulsboro was arrested and charged with murder (intentionally and/or knowingly causing death), a felony of the first degree; Murder (murder during the commission of burglary) a felony of the first degree; Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a felony of the second degree; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a misdemeanor of the second degree; Certain individuals are prohibited from possessing a gun, a crime of the second degree; Hindering apprehension, a crime of the third degree; Obstruction of justice, a crime of the fourth degree.

After a thorough investigation, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office announced last week that the following four individuals have also been charged:

• Nyshawn Mutcherson, 29, of Vineland has been charged with murder (intentionally and/or knowingly causing death), a first-degree felony; Murder (murder during the commission of burglary) a felony of the first degree; Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a felony of the second degree; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a misdemeanor of the second degree; Certain individuals are prohibited from possessing a gun, a crime of the second degree; Hindering apprehension, a crime of the third degree; Obstruction of justice, a crime of the fourth degree.
• Jared Brown, 31, of Bridgeton was charged with murder (intentionally and/or knowingly causing death), a first-degree felony; Murder (murder during the commission of burglary) a felony of the first degree; Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a felony of the second degree; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a misdemeanor of the second degree; Certain individuals are prohibited from possessing a gun, a crime of the second degree; Hindering apprehension, a crime of the third degree; Obstruction of justice, a crime of the fourth degree.
• Richard B. Hawkins Willis, 32, of Gloucester City has been charged with murder (intentionally and/or knowingly causing death), a felony of the first degree; Murder (murder during the commission of burglary) a felony of the first degree; Burglary, a crime of the second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a felony of the second degree; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a misdemeanor of the second degree; Certain individuals are prohibited from possessing a gun, a crime of the second degree; Hindering apprehension, a crime of the third degree; Obstruction of justice, a crime of the fourth degree.
• Cyndia E. Pimentel, 38, of Paulsboro was charged with obstructing an investigation, a third-degree felony; Obstruction of Justice, a crime of the fourth degree; Tampering with evidence, a crime of the fourth degree.

The charges follow the tragic murder of Detective Sergeant Monica Mosley, of the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, on October 15.

“This development is a testament to the continued efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case,” said Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland. “We remain committed to seeking justice for Detective Sergeant Mosley and her family. The collaboration between all agencies has been crucial in bringing this case to light.”

“The law enforcement community and the state of New Jersey have lost a steadfast and dedicated public servant, but we know that the loss of Sergeant Monica Mosley is felt most deeply by her family, loved ones and colleagues. While nothing will ever bring Sgt Mosley back to those who loved her, we hope that the focused, coordinated efforts in this case provide them with the comfort of knowing that justice is being pursued,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I want to recognize the incredible efforts of the Cape May District Attorney’s Office, the New Jersey State Police Major Crimes Unit, the Bridgeton Police Department and the many other agencies involved in the investigation into her murder.”

Officials say Detective Mosley “was a dedicated public servant who dedicated her life to protecting the community.”

Her entire community mourns her death.

The investigation was led by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police Major Crimes Unit, the Bridgeton Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. United States Marshals.