By: Richard L. Smith
Five individuals accused in the fatal shooting of a South Jersey detective during a violent home invasion have pleaded not guilty, according to information released by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
The victim, Detective Monica Mosley (pictured) of the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, was killed on the night of October 15 while at her residence on Buckshutem Road.
Authorities said Mosley was preparing for bed when multiple masked intruders forced their way into her home. 
She managed to fire several rounds from her service weapon, striking one of the suspects, before the group returned fire and fatally wounded her.
Those facing first-degree murder charges in the case include Nyshawn B. Mutcherson of Vineland, Jarred D. Brown of Bridgeton, Richard B. Hawkins Willis of Gloucester City, and Byron L. Thomas of Paulsboro.
All four men were indicted several weeks prior to their court appearance Tuesday, where they formally entered not guilty pleas in Atlantic County Superior Court.
A fifth defendant, Cyndia E. Pimentel of Paulsboro, faces charges of third-degree hindering, along with fourth-degree counts of obstruction and evidence tampering. Investigators allege that she helped conceal key evidence from authorities following the incident.
Assistant Cape May County Prosecutor Saverio Carroccia, who is handling the case due to conflict of interest concerns, confirmed that each of the men indicted in the murder had been offered plea agreements that include potential life sentences with eligibility for parole after 30 years.
Pimentel, meanwhile, was offered probation with 180 days of jail credit.
Her attorney said she plans to apply for New Jersey’s Pretrial Intervention Program, which allows eligible first-time offenders to avoid incarceration.
Despite the plea offers, no attorneys elaborated on them during the hearing before Superior Court Judge Donna Taylor.
Investigators built their case using a combination of cellphone data, surveillance footage, license plate reader technology, DNA evidence, and eyewitness testimony. 
However, sources familiar with the investigation said there is currently no indication that Mosley’s role as a law enforcement officer was a motive for the crime.
All five defendants are due back in court on August 5.