In the late afternoon of July 25, 2023, the life of 40-year-old Salmadine Ralsoul Johnson, a Black/African American male from Millville, New Jersey, was tragically cut short. At approximately 4:44 p.m., Millville police were called to the 600 block of High Street following reports of gunfire. Arriving at the scene, officers discovered Johnson's body.
Initially, it was thought that Johnson had been the victim of a fatal stabbing.
However, the grim reality of the situation was revealed following an autopsy, which determined that he had died from a gunshot wound. This clarification marked a pivotal moment in the investigation into his death, redirecting the focus of law enforcement. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, was captured on surveillance video, providing a crucial piece of evidence for detectives.
The investigation swiftly led to the identification of a suspect: 50-year-old Marlon D. Thompson, also a resident of Millville. On July 28, 2023, just three days after Johnson's death, authorities formally charged Thompson with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. With the charges laid, a search for Thompson was initiated.
The manhunt concluded on August 15, 2023, when Thompson was located in Roselle, New Jersey. In a coordinated effort between the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force and the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, he was taken into custody without incident. While an arrest has been made, the investigation into the death of Salmadine Ralsoul Johnson remains ongoing.
