FREEHOLD – A Jackson man has been charged with the fatal shooting of a Manalapan man that occurred over the weekend, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.
Gerard Grimes Jr., 23, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of Narciso Rodriguez-Corona, 43. Grimes is also charged with second degree Burglary, Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun.
On Oct. 5, at approximately 9:34 p.m., Manalapan Police received a call about a fight at 25 Fawn Run, Manalapan. Shortly after, the department received another call for a confirmed shooting victim. Upon police arrival, they discovered Rodriguez-Corona had suffered a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the investigation, Grimes arrived at the Manalapan residence armed with a handgun and attempted to enter the residence while some of his friends remained outside. When the occupants of the home were alerted to Grimes’ presence, they attempted to stop him from entering.
[adrotate banner="277"]“After a brief confrontation, the defendant and friends left the home. Shortly thereafter, a second encounter occurred nearby, where defendant ultimately shot the victim. Defendant fled the area. Police were quickly dispatched to the area, and encountered the victim who was suffering from life-threatening injuries,” stated authorities.
Police then began a search for the suspect, ultimately locating him in the backyard of a nearby residence.
If convicted of murder, Grimes faces a minimum sentence of 30 years in state prison without parole and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, subject to the provisions of the “No Early Release Act” (NERA). He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison.
[adrotate banner="278"]If convicted of any of the second degree crimes, Grimes faces up to 10 years in state prison. Any sentence resulting from a conviction for the second degree crime of Burglary is also subject to the provisions of NERA. He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison.
Grimes is being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI).
