30-YEAR-OLD OCEAN TOWNSHIP MAN CHARGED WITH STRICT LIABILITY FOR A DRUG-INDUCED DEATH
“James Liu Was Charged Yesterday In Connection With Supplying Fentanyl-Laced Heroin To A 33-Year-Old Berkeley Township Man Who Fatally Overdosed.”
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 3:00 P.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
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Surrendered to Berkeley Township Detectives
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ.- Ocean County Authorities reported that Yesterday, a 30-Year-Old Monmouth County, New Jersey man has surrendered to Detectives of The Berkeley Township Police Department in connection with the Tragic December 26, 2023, Fatal Drug Overdose of a 33-Year-Old Berkeley Township man who was Found Dead inside a Ocean County, New Jersey Residence.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Following an Investigation on Thursday, February 15, 2024, James Liu, 30, of Ocean Township, New Jersey was Formally Charged with Strict Liability for a Drug-Induced Death in connection with the Death of a 33-Year-Old Berkeley Township man that occurred on December 26, 2023.
On December 26, 2023, Members of The Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting an Unresponsive Man inside a Residence. Upon arrival, Police Officers found The Body of 33-Year-Old man who had succumbed to an Apparent Drug Overdose. A subsequent investigation by Ocean and Monmouth County Authorities determined that Mr. Liu had supplied Fentanyl-Laced Heroin to the man.
On December 28, 2023, Detectives from both County Law Enforcement Agencies established surveillance on Mr. Liu. On that date, Detectives observed Mr. Liu operating a Motor Vehicle in the area of his home. Detectives conducted a Motor Vehicle Traffic Stop and Mr. Liu was Taken into Custody and Charged with Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl; and Possession of Crack Cocaine. Liu was Processed on The Charges and Released on a Complaint Summons pending a First Appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Further investigation and Toxicology
Analysis that was received early last week by The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the Presence in the man’s system. Based on the Toxicology Analysis, The Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office that the Fentanyl found in the man’s system was the cause of his Death. Based on The Findings on February 15, 2024, Mr. Liu was Charged with Strict Liability for a Drug-Induced Death, and a Warrant was Issued for his Arrest.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Mr. Liu surrendered himself at The Berkeley Township Police Department. After being Processed on The Charge, Mr. Liu was transported to The Ocean County Jail in Toms River, New Jersey. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has Filed a Pretrial Detention Motion to have Mr. Liu Detained pending the resolution of the Charged Against Him.
“The Rules Of The Court Requires Us To Include A Statement, That States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt.”