JACKSON – A 44-year-old township woman remains behind bars accused of shooting her husband to death during an early morning domestic dispute, authorities said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz confirmed that Antonia Ashford was charged with murder after allegedly shooting 47-year-old Roderick Ashford.
According to police, officers from the Jackson Township Police Department were called to the home in the wee hours of August 2 around 2:15 a.m. Officers found Ashford’s body unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the face. Although they attempted to revive the victim, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe Ashford’s wife pointed the gun at her husband and fired the shot that caused his death.
An investigation is underway by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Antonia Ashford was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is lodged pending a detention hearing. A motive is unknown at this point.
In addition to the Murder charge, police say Ashford is also charged with Posession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
