Asbury Park man found guilty of 2013 murder
Brick man's death resulted after assault during drug transaction
An Asbury Park man was found guilty of the 2013 murder of an Ocean County man, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced Saturday.
Spencer S. Young, 21, of Sewell Avenue was found guilty of second degree robbery, first degree felony murder, and first degree aggravated manslaughter, for the murder of 36-year-old Thomas Sudano, Jr.
The charges stem from the July 27, 2013 incident, officials said.
From the news release:
Early that morning, around 12:26 a.m., officers with the Asbury Park Police Department were dispatched to the area of 1100 Atlantic Avenue for a report of an unconscious male lying in the street. Upon arrival, police found the man unconscious, in cardiac arrest and without any neurological responses. The victim was identified as Thomas J. Sudano, Jr., 36, of Brick Township.
During the trial, it was learned that Sudano took a taxi from Brick to Asbury Park to meet with co-defendant J.B. shortly before midnight in order to purchase narcotics. J.B. and Spencer Young met with Sudano at the McDonald’s on Route 35 in Neptune Township before J.B. and Young lured Sudano into a housing complex in Asbury Park with the intentions of robbing him.
At trial, a witness testified he observed both Young and J.B. with the victim around midnight. The witness testified that without provocation or warning, J.B. and Young assaulted Sudano, punching, stomping and kicking him. Sudano attempted to flee from his attackers but fell to the ground unconscious. As Sudano lay motionless, Young and J.B. continued their assault, kicking and punching Sudano about his head and body. They stole Sudano’s cellular phone and money before fleeing the area and leaving Sudano lying unconscious in the street.
Young was found in possession of Sudano’s cell phone in Asbury Park three days after the assault. Cellular telephone records revealed that the phone was in constant use by Young from 12:26 a.m. on July 27, 2013 until he was taken into custody by police on July 30, 2013.
Sudano died on July 29, 2013, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune Township. The Medical Examiner’s Office determined his death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and neck and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Hoda Soliman and Lawrence Nelson. Spencer Young was represented by Michael Wicke, Esq. of Freehold.
Young now faces a maximus life sentence for the felony murder, subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act [NERA], which requires he serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for parole. The second degree robbery carries a maximum 20 year sentences, also subject to NERA, officials said. The aggravated manslaughter carries a maximum 20 year sentence.
Young’s sentence hearing has not been scheduled, officials said.
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