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 slaying of New Jersey State’s Attorney Detective Sergeant Monica Mosley, who was shot and killed during a violent home invasion in October.

The Cape May County District Attorney’s Office announced that Byron Thomas, 35, of Paulsboro was arrested and charged with murder (intentional and/or knowing death), a first-degree murder; Murder (murder during the commission of a burglary) a first degree murder; Burglary, a second-degree felony; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a Second Degree Felony; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a felony of the second degree; A certain person not to possess a weapon, a second-degree felony; Hindering apprehension, a third-degree felony; Obstruction of justice, a fourth-degree felony.

After a thorough investigation, the Cape May District Attorney’s Office announced last week that the following four people were also charged:

• Nyshawn Mutcherson, 29, of Vineland, was charged with murder (intentionally and/or knowingly causing death), a first-degree murder; Murder (murder during the commission of a burglary) a first degree murder; Burglary, a second-degree felony; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a Second Degree Felony; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a felony of the second degree; A certain person not to possess a weapon, a second-degree felony; Hindering apprehension, a third-degree felony; Obstruction of justice, a fourth-degree felony.
• Jared Brown, 31, of Bridgeton, was charged with murder (intentionally and/or knowingly causing death), a first-degree murder; Murder (murder during the commission of a burglary) a first degree murder; Burglary, a second-degree felony; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a Second Degree Felony; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a felony of the second degree; A certain person not to possess a weapon, a second-degree felony; Hindering apprehension, a third-degree felony; Obstruction of justice, a fourth-degree felony.
• Richard B. Hawkins Willis, 32, of Gloucester City was charged with murder (intentionally and/or knowingly causing death), a first-degree murder; Murder (murder during the commission of a burglary) a first degree murder; Burglary, a second-degree felony; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a Second Degree Felony; Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a felony of the second degree; A certain person not to possess a weapon, a second-degree felony; Hindering apprehension, a third-degree felony; Obstruction of justice, a fourth-degree felony.
• Cyndia E. Pimentel, 38, of Paulsboro, was charged with hindering an investigation, a third-degree felony; Obstruction of justice, fourth-degree felony; Tampering with Evidence, a fourth degree felony.

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

“This development is a testament to the tireless efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case,” said Cape May County District Attorney Jeffrey H. Sutherland. “We remain committed to seeking justice for Detective Sergeant Mosley and her family. Collaboration between all agencies was crucial to bring 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. Although nothing will ever bring Sgt. Mosley back to those who loved her, we hope that the focused and coordinated efforts in this case give them the comfort of knowing that justice is being served,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I want to acknowledge 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 his 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’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and United States Marshals.