Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Toms River Township Police Chief Mitch Little have announced that Samantha Massimino, 33, of Toms River, has been charged with Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a(1), in connection with the death of Reinaldo Feliciano, Jr., 35, also of Toms River, in the early morning hours of October 24, 2020. Massimino was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d.

On October 24, 2020, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Toms River Township Police Officers responded to a local residence following a 911 call requesting assistance in reference to a male victim having been stabbed. Responding Officers found Reinaldo Feliciano, Jr. with a stab wound to his leg. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Massimino and Mr. Feliciano, who had previously been in a dating relationship, became involved in a physical altercation at the residence. During the course of the argument, Massimino retrieved a knife and ultimately stabbed Mr. Feliciano in the leg. Mr. Feliciano was transported to Community Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 4:45 a.m. Massimino was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Little acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their outstanding and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation. “I commend all the law enforcement officers involved in this tragic case for their dedicated professionalism, and for swiftly identifying Ms. Massimino as the individual responsible for Mr. Feliciano’s death and bringing her into custody,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

The public and media are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.