On a summer afternoon in Keyport, New Jersey, a dispute erupted that tragically ended the life of 20-year-old Evan Smutz. The male victim, a graduate of Keyport High School where he had been a member of both the football and baseball teams, was fatally shot on August 9, 2018. The incident unfolded inside the Center Street apartment he shared with his girlfriend.
The events leading to the shooting began when 19-year-old John Curtin of Keansburg arrived at Smutz's apartment. An argument broke out between the two, reportedly over a marijuana transaction. The confrontation escalated, and Curtin, who had brought a handgun, shot Smutz. A 911 call was made at 12:48 p.m. reporting the sound of gunshots. When police arrived at the Holmdel Pointe apartment complex, they found Smutz with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:21 p.m.
Following the shooting, Curtin fled the scene and traveled to New York City.
Later that same day, he contacted a coworker, and a police officer who was present was able to speak with him and encourage him to surrender. Curtin turned himself in to the New York City Police Department and was subsequently transported back to Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was arrested and charged with murder, felony murder, armed robbery, and weapons offenses.
John Curtin was indicted by a grand jury in October 2018. During his trial, his defense argued that the shooting was an accident that occurred during a struggle. However, in October 2019, a Monmouth County jury convicted Curtin on charges of felony murder, armed robbery, and aggravated manslaughter. He was subsequently sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his role in the death of Evan Smutz.
