Two fugitives arrested in Long Branch shooting at Matilda Terrace apartments
FREEHOLD – Two fugitives who were involved in a June shooting incident in Long Branch have been found and arrested, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Tuesday.
Michael O’ Rourke, 31, of Asbury Park, has been charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon, Santiago said. Brianna L. Graziano, 27, of Tinton Falls, was charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree attempted murder.
Around 2:15 a.m. on June 12, Long Branch Police responded to the area of the Matilda Terrace apartments for a report of an altercation, according to Santiago. At the scene, they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including one to his neck. The victim was taken to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch where he was treated and released for his injuries.
An investigation by the prosecutor’s Major Crimes Bureau and the Long Branch Police Department identified O’Rourke and Graziano as those responsible for the shooting, the prosecutor said.
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On Friday, O’Rourke was found and arrested in Ohio by members of the U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force – Wheeling Office in West Virginia, Santiago said. Graziano was found in New Jersey by the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Task Force.
Santiago is urging anyone with information on this case to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Joshua Rios at 800-533-7443 or Long Branch Police Department Detective Connor Mullan at 732-222-1000.
Convictions on first-degree criminal charges can be punishable by terms up to 20 years in state prison, according to Santiago.
Jenna Calderón covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ police capture fugitives in June 12 Long Branch shooting
