Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Edgar Diaz, 18, of Manchester, has been charged with the murder of his mother, Margarita Diaz, 44, also of Manchester, which occurred on Wednesday, August 7, at the Deer Chase Professional Park on Route 37 in Toms River.
In addition to being charged with Ms. Diaz’s murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11- 3a, Edgar Diaz was charged with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose -- specifically a knife -- in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in Violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a.
“The defendant, Edgar Diaz, was 17 years-old at the time these crimes occurred. Today, Edgar Diaz voluntarily waived jurisdiction of the Family Court to Criminal Court, and will be prosecuted as an adult,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Police say on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at approximately 8:42 p.m., Toms River Police were dispatched to Deer Chase Professional Park for reports of an assault.
The Officers arrived and found an unresponsive female.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center. Subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Edgar Diaz attacked his mother, stabbed her with a knife, and slammed her head into the pavement outside their parked vehicle at the Deer Chase Professional Park.
All of this was done in the presence of the defendant’s younger brother.
Diaz was arrested on August 13, 2019, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center since his apprehension.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the fine work of Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony Pierro, who thus far has handled the case on behalf of the State, and the diligent and cooperative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their combined assistance in this very thorough investigation.