On July 1st, we reported that there was swat activity in Ocean County after police were called to a DOA. The Manchester Township Police were summoned to a Manchester residence by a 911 call in reference to a male victim lying face down on the street. Officers found the victim to be bleeding from the head and to have gunshot wounds to his back. They also observed what appeared to be a bullet hole through the front door of the residence.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office Regional SWAT Team responded to assist. The SWAT Team made entry to the house and found it to be unoccupied. Investigation revealed that the owner of the house was Thomas Hatchett and further investigation revealed that Hatchett has and address in Verona, New Jersey.

The Verona Police Department were contacted and Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and the Manchester Township Police Department interviewed Hatchett and he was subsequently arrested and charged.

Hatchett was transported to the Manchester Township Police Department to be processed and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

The victim has been identified as Igal Hedad, 71, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Thomas Hatchett, 86, of Manchester Township, is currently charged with Murder and Posession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

“Detectives from all of these agencies were on scene all day and traveled to Verona last night once Hatchett was located. I really can’t say enough to praise their efforts, an amazing job by all involved.” Chief Parker added: “Our Detectives worked side by side with Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit all day and night to make sure that we solved this horrific crime as quickly as possible.”

Prosecutor Billhimer