Bail for Jahmell Crockam, 19, has been raised to $7M Watch video
Jahmell Crockam appears in court for the second time this week. TOMS RIVER — Police are crediting tips from the public for helping them charge the man suspected of killing Lakewood police Officer Christopher Matlosz in a second homicide.
Jahmell Crockam, 19, and a co-defendant, Darius Johnson, 20, of Lakewood, appeared in court this afternoon to face murder charges in the October 2010 shooting death of Justin Williams, of Jackson Township.
Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford says information developed while police were investigating the murder of Matlosz led them to believe Crockam was also responsible for the Williams killing.
Crockam is now being held on a combined $7 million bail.
More than 10,000 family, friends and law enforcement officers attended Matlosz's funeral on Thursday.
Last week, Matlosz had stopped to question Crockam, a pedestrian, on August Drive off Joe Parker Road. After a brief exchange, Crockam took a step back, drew a handgun and shot Matlosz once. Crockam then stepped forward and fired two more shots.
Crockam had been wanted for possession of an illegal rifle and hollow-point bullets from a case in December. It is not known whether Matlosz knew of Crockam’s record.
Crockam was arrested Sunday morning in a Camden apartment after a sweeping, 38-hour dragnet across several states.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Previous coverage:
• Mother of man accused in Lakewood police officer's death says son is not a monster
• Man accused in slaying of Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz appears in court
• Tips from the public led to suspect's arrest in slaying of Lakewood police officer
• Jahmell Crockam is charged with fatally shooting Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz
• Lakewood deputy chief says police officer Chris Matlosz was 'assassinated' as search for killer continues