On a Friday evening in Millville, New Jersey, the life of 20-year-old Thomas Smith III was tragically cut short. On August 15, 2025, at approximately 6:53 p.m., police responded to the area of High and Oak Streets after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The investigation into the male victim's death quickly led authorities to identify
three suspects. An intense manhunt ensued for the individuals, who were described by officials as 'armed and dangerous.' Within days of the shooting, the collaborative efforts of the Millville Police Department, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, the Bridgeton Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit led to the apprehension of the three men.
The suspects were identified as 19-year-old Jequise R. Forrest of Millville, 19-year-old Alonzo E. Mincey of Vineland, and 19-year-old Jerramiah J. Michael of Bridgeton. All three were apprehended on August 18, 2025, at an apartment in the Amity Heights complex in Bridgeton. They have since been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Forrest faces a more extensive list of charges, including aggravated assault and weapons offenses. While the arrests brought a sense of resolution to the community, authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killing. The investigation is said to be ongoing.
