Seven-Count Indictment Includes Murder Charge In 2025 Long Branch Beach Killing
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 5:00 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
LONG BRANCH, NJ.- Last week, a Monmouth County grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against three individuals charged in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old North Brunswick, New Jersey, man at Pier Village in Long Branch last summer, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Monday.
The defendants, Dwayne Exilus, 19, Isaiah Z. Walker, 19, and Jahbron J. Goff, 18, face multiple weapons and obstruction-related charges stemming from the June 12, 2025, shooting death of Chrystofer A. Whyte, 18.
According to the indictment, all three defendants are charged with second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, third-degree Hindering, and fourth-degree Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
Goff, whose identity had previously been withheld because he was a juvenile at the time of the incident, is additionally charged with first-degree Murder and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Exilus and Walker each face an additional count of third-degree Hindering the Apprehension of Another.
Shooting At Pier Village;
The charges stem from a shooting that occurred on Thursday evening, June 12, 2025, just minutes before 9:00 p.m., along the Chelsea Avenue beach area between the shoreline and the boardwalk at Pier Village.
Officers from the Long Branch Police Department responded to reports of shots fired and discovered an adult male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound. Despite emergency response efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victim was later identified as Chrystofer A. Whyte, an 18-year-old resident of North Brunswick, New Jersey.
Investigation And Arrests;
The investigation into Whyte’s death was led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau in conjunction with the Long Branch Police Department.
Authorities determined through the investigation that Goff was the individual responsible for firing the fatal shot. Investigators further concluded that Exilus, Walker, and another juvenile unlawfully possessed firearms and took steps to conceal Goff’s involvement in the homicide following the shooting.
Prosecutor Santiago stated that the indictment reflects the scope of the investigation and the alleged roles each defendant played before and after the fatal shooting.
Multi-Agency Effort;
The Prosecutor’s Office and the Long Branch Police Department acknowledged the assistance of several law enforcement agencies during the investigation, including the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, as well as the municipal police departments of Woodbridge, Linden, and Metuchen.
Authorities credited the coordinated, multi-agency effort with advancing the case and securing the grand jury indictment.
If convicted, the defendants face substantial prison sentences under New Jersey law. The matter will proceed in Monmouth County Superior Court, where future hearings and trial scheduling are expected.
Editor’s Note:
This report was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official grand jury records and statements released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. Englebrook Independent News will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the judicial system.
“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.”
