Suspect arrested in Newark two years after double shooting, stabbing
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
ALLENTOWN — A Hamilton Township man was apprehended May 16 in connection with charges stemming from a two-year old double shooting and stabbing that took place in the borough.
Brieon Thurston, 31, whose last known address was 106 Hollywood Drive in Hamilton, was arrested after it was believed he fled the state and had been living elsewhere since the Dec. 26, 2011, incident, according to a Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office press release.
The incident in Allentown regarded a dispute that left two persons injured, according to a Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office release. At that time, members of the Allentown Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the dispute and initiated an investigation.
Charges were filed against Mr. Thurston and his brother, Nehmiah Thurston, who was arrested shortly after the incident.
As a result of recent developments, Sheriff’s Officers Randy Morgan and Sean O’Neill in addition to Detective Keith Finkelstein from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office were led to Brieon Thurston’s whereabouts, leading to the May 16 arrest in Newark.
Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Wilbert of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and officers from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the New Jersey State Police and the Newark Police Department also assisted in the apprehension.
According to the prosecutor’s office release, Mr. Thurston was arrested on warrants related to charges of second-degree weapons offenses, possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun or an unlawful purpose and fourth degree aggravated assault.
The elder Thurston, 33 at the time of the offense, has been incarcerated in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold Township.
Mr. Thurston remains in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold Township. His bail is currently set at $250,000.
Assistant Prosecutor Sean J. Brennan is prosecuting this case. Attorney Christopher Campbell of Freehold is representing Brieon Thurston while attorney Michael Kuhns of Morristown, is representing Nehmiah Thurston.