The 40-Year-Old Man Wanted For The July 9, 2024 Shooting Of 20-Year-Old Woman In Wildwood Surrenders
Monday, July 15, 2024, 6:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WILDWOOD, NJ.- On Friday, July 12, 2024, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland reported that the man wanted in connection with critically injuring a woman in a shooting that occurred Tuesday night in Wildwood City, New Jersey, surrendered to authorities Thursday afternoon in Camden County, New Jersey.
According to Wildwood Police, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, shortly before 10:30 p.m., members of the Wildwood Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting shots fired on the 3800 Block of Pacific Avenue in the City of Wildwood.
Upon arrival, Police Officers found a woman at 3817 Pacific Avenue, later identified as Vilte Gruzdyte, 20, a Lithuanian citizen and innocent bystander, who had been struck in the head by gunfire. Ms. Gruzdyte was immediately transported to Atlantic City Medical Center for treatment. Ms. Gruzdyte remains on life support and is listed in critical condition.
Responding Police Officers learned that the shooter was an unidentified black male who fled the scene following the shooting.
Following learning of the partial identification of a suspect, Detectives Detectives of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Wildwood Police Department began an investigation into the shooting. In the morning hours on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, members of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team executed a court-authorized search warrant on a residence located on the 4700 Block of Pacific Avenue.
Upon entry into the residence, members of the Swat Team, along with Detectives, found the clothing that was believed to be worn by the shooter and also found a 9mm handgun. During the search David L. Johnson, 45, who was inside the residence, was charged with one count of third-degree Hindering Apprehension. Johnson was processed on the charge and was released on a summons pending future court proceedings.
During the afternoon hours on Wednesday, Detectives identified the shooter as William C. Hoyle, 40, of Wildwood, New Jersey. Following the identification, Hoyle was charged with first-degree Attempted Murder; second-degree Aggravated Assault; second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon; second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose; second-degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons; third-degree Possession of a Ghost Gun; and fourth-degree Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine, and a warrant was issued for Hoyle’s arrest.
Following an intensive manhunt, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in the late afternoon, Hoyle surrendered himself at the Camden County Police Department in Camden City, New Jersey. Hoyle was then transported by Wildwood Detectives to the Cape May County Correctional Facility and processed on the charges. Hoyle. Will remain in custody pending future court proceedings.
Prosecutor Sutherland said the preliminary investigation has revealed that Ms. Gruzdyte, who was visiting the U.S. on a Student Visa, was an innocent bystander and not Hoyle’s intended target. At this time, Ms. Gruzdyte remains on life support in critical condition. Prosecutor Sutherland said, “This is a tragic incident, and we all as a community are praying for Vilte and her family. Our office is taking all measures to make sure justice is served in this matter.”
“The rules of the court require 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.”
