By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on August 4, 2025, James Liu, 32, of Ocean Township (Monmouth County), pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in connection with the death of a 33-year-old male in Berkeley Township on December 26, 2023.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that at the time of his sentencing on December 5, 2025, the State will be seeking a term of seven years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.
According to Ocean County officials, on December 26, 2023, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a residence for a report of an unresponsive male.
Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim, already deceased from an apparent drug overdose, OCPO officials say.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean Township (Monmouth County)Police Department Detective Bureau, and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force revealed that Liu had supplied heroin/fentanyl to the victim.
Ocean County officials stated that on December 28, 2023, Detectives from the agencies mentioned above established stationary and mobile surveillance on Liu. On that date, Detectives observed Liu operating a motor vehicle in the area of his residence. Detectives effectuated a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle, and Liu was taken into custody without incident.
As a result of the investigation, Liu was initially charged on December 28, 2023, with Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl, and Possession of Crack Cocaine, according to Ocean County officials.
OCPO officials say Liu was served with the charges via summons pending a first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court.
Further investigation and toxicology analysis received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system, Ocean County authorities said.
According to Ocean County officials, based upon this toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death. 
As a consequence, on February 15, 2024, Liu was charged with Strict Liability Drug-Induced Death, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, OCPO officials said.
Ocean County officials say that on February 20, 2024, Liu surrendered himself to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey's Bail Reform.