After a lengthy trial in Monmouth County Superior Court, an Asbury Park man was convicted of charges including robbery and murder in connection with an incident that resulted in the death of a Brick, NJ man in 2013.
According to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, 21-year-old Asbury Park resident Spencer S. Young was convicted of second-degree robbery, first-degree felony murder, and first-degree aggravated manslaughter after being identified as the perpetrator in the incident that resulted in the death of 36-year-old Brick resident, Thomas Sudano Jr.
The incident in question occurred at 12:26 a.m. July 27, 2013, on the 1100 block of Atlantic Avenue in Asbury Park, at which time Sudano was discovered unresponsive. Authorities believe that Sudano had met with co-defendant, 20-year-old Asbury Park resident Jahmir Bouie, to purchase drugs. According to a witness, the defendants attacked and brutally assaulted Sudano before stealing his cell phone and cash, and fleeing the scene.
After his death at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, a subsequent autopsy determined the victim died of blunt-force-trauma to the head and neck. At this point, his death was ruled a homicide.
Young was charged after being found in possession of Sudano’s cell phone. Considering his recent conviction, the defendant is facing a life-long prison sentence. Murder, under section N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3 of the New Jersey Criminal Code, is classified as a first-degree crime. Although first-degree crimes are generally punishable by New Jersey state prison term between 10 and 20 years, Murder entails an extended sentencing range of 30 years to life, with a minimum of 30 years that must be served before the person is eligible for parole, per the terms of the No Early Release Act.
For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article Asbury Park man found guilty in 2013 murder