Reward For Information About Case
RED BANK – County criminal investigators are “closing in” on a suspect in the 2009 brutal murder of a borough public school teacher and are continuing to urge the public to come forward with any additional information and possibly earn a cash reward.
“This murder investigation will come to a close very soon due to new information that recently developed,” Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a statement, taking the unusual step for authorities to comment on an active investigation.
Crimestoppers of Monmouth County, working with the prosecutor’s office also announced it is continuing to offer up to $10,000 in reward money for information that contributes to an arrest and ultimately a conviction for the individual or parties responsible for the death of Jonelle Melton six years ago.
“Someone knows what happened to Jonelle Melton and holds a key piece of information about Jonelle’s murder,” Kevin J. Burke Jr. Crimestoppers chairman said in that statement.
For those with information, Burke stressed his organization would would accept information, “no questions asked.”
“We don’t need your name. But we do need the information,” Burke said.
“Anyone with information should know the clock is ticking and it’s time to step forward and do the right thing,” Gramiccioni continued. “Jonelle deserves justice and those who miss her each and every day are entitled to peace knowing that whoever is responsible will be prosecuted to the to the fullest extent of the law.”
Melton was a 33-year-old seventh grade teacher at the Red Bank Middle School teacher, living in Neptune.
In September 2009, Melton was found dead in her West Sylvania Avenue apartment after a family member went to check on her, when Melton failed to answer phone calls and didn’t come to work. Authorities determined soon after that it was a homicide and with the prosecutor’s office saying she was beaten to death.
Melton was a well-regarded faculty member, who then Red Bank Superintendent of Schools Laura Morana said was “loved by students, families and her co-workers.”
Up to this point no one has been charged in connection with the murder.
By John Burton
