Morris County Man Charged In Early Thursday Morning, New Milford Homicide

Thursday, September 25, 2025, 4:45 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEW MILFORD, NJ.- Today, following an investigation, a 25-year-old Landing, New Jersey, man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with the stabbing death of a 24-year-old Bergen County man that occurred early this morning inside a New Milford, New Jersey home.

     According to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, just minutes before 3:00 a.m., members of the New Milford Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call from Justin J. Wilhelm from a residence located at 650 River Road in New Milford.

Upon Arrival, Police Officers Find Wilhelm Covered In Blood

     Upon arrival, Police Officers found Wilhelm on the front steps of the home with suspected blood on both of his hands. Police Officers quickly entered the residence to conduct a welfare check and located the lifeless body of a man, later identified as Mateo Ocho-Gonzalez, 24, of New Milford, New Jersey, on the second floor, having succumbed to multiple stab wounds to his chest and neck. Mr. Ocho-Gonzalez was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.

     During the ensuing investigation, Detectives of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the New Milford Police Department determined that during an apparent dispute, Wilhelm stabbed Mr. Ocho-Gonzalez multiple times, resulting in his death. Wilhelm was also found in possession of illicit narcotics at the scene.

As A Result Of The Investigation, Detectives File Charges

     Accordingly, as a result of the investigation, Wilhelm was taken into custody and formally charged with first-degree Murder; third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose; fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Wilhelm was additionally charged with one count of third-degree Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances.

     Wilhelm was processed on the charges and was transported to an area hospital for medical evaluation, and remains detained in Police custody.

“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.”