By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Monmouth County are investigating a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a Woodbridge Township man following a violent altercation on the beach in Long Branch Thursday evening.
According to a statement released by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, the incident occurred around 8:58 p.m. on June 12, 2025.
Officers with the Long Branch Police Department responded to reports of gunfire near the beach and boardwalk area of Pier Village.
Upon arrival, police found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite life-saving efforts, the victim—identified by witnesses as Mr. Chris Whyte of Woodbridge—was pronounced dead at the scene.
He graduated from Woodbridge High School last year.
Sources told RLS Media that Whyte may have been involved in a physical confrontation shortly before the shooting erupted along the bustling beachfront community.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau, in collaboration with Long Branch Police, is leading the investigation.
While authorities believe the shooting to be an isolated incident, they are urging anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or captured video of the events to come forward.
Investigators are particularly interested in footage recorded by bystanders who were on the beach or near the boardwalk during the time of the incident.
Anyone with relevant information or video footage is asked to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.