Jonathan Jimenez | Homicide Watch Trenton

3 Trenton self-confessed killers serving time in state prison

Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 20:11:36 -0400

(From left) Briann Lindsey, Antonio Sloan and Freilyn Delacruz (NJ DOC Photos)

Three of Trenton’s most notorious killers have been sentenced to state prison following their recent confessions of guilt.

Briann Lindsey, 26, of Trenton, is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women for killing her boyfriend last year.

Lindsey stabbed 35-year-old Christopher Johnson to death about 4:15 p.m. March 6, 2017, inside their West Ward apartment on the 300 block of Clearfield Avenue. Lindsey attempted to clean up the crime scene prior to police arrival and ultimately got arrested the following day on murder charges and weapons offenses.

Christopher Johnson (submitted photo)

Lindsey pleaded guilty May 21 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and got sentenced July 12 to 15 years of incarceration. She must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence behind bars before becoming eligible for parole. She received 492 days of jail credit and is scheduled to be released Dec. 5, 2029, record shows. She will be subjected to five years of parole supervision after serving her prison term.

Antonio B. Sloan, 28, of Trenton, is serving a 15-year prison sentence at East Jersey State Prison for killing 72-year-old James Wells in a vicious attack three years ago.

Sloan punched and kicked Wells in the body and head in the area of East Hanover and North Broad streets about 8 p.m. Sept. 13, 2015. Wells suffered life-threatening injuries and died 11 days later as family members stood beside him at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

James Wells

Authorities arrested Sloan at his city residence on Sept. 30, 2015. He pleaded guilty in December 2017 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and was sentenced in February to 15 years of incarceration to be followed by five years of parole supervision. He received 876 days of jail credit and is scheduled to be released June 30, 2028, records show.

Freilyn J. Delacruz, 38, of Trenton, is serving a 10-year prison sentence at Bayside State Prison for his role in the 2016 slaying of 32-year-old Jonathan Jimenez.

Delacruz and a co-defendant, 39-year-old Alberto Perez, were both charged with murder and weapons offenses on allegations they shot and killed Jimenez outside of his Chambersburg home on Aug. 5, 2016. The victim was a father who left behind three children.

Jonathan Jimenez

Police arrested Perez within days of the homicide and nabbed Delacruz months later in an international manhunt. Delacruz fled into Mexico with blood on his hands but got caught and extradited to the United States to face justice in December 2016.

Delacruz ultimately pleaded guilty June 11 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and had his weapons offenses dismissed at sentencing Aug. 10. Delacruz received 598 days of jail credit, has been ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and is scheduled to be released June 20, 2025, records show. He will be subjected to five years of parole supervision after serving his term behind bars.

Delacruz is serving time in the slammer as a self-confessed killer, but The Trentonian could not immediately verify the case status against the co-defendant Perez.

Other violence

A 20-year-old city man suffered a gunshot wound to his right elbow about 4:45 p.m. Friday on the 100 block of Virginia Avenue in the South Ward, police said.

The victim was taken to the hospital by a private vehicle. He was admitted in stable condition at Capital Health Regional Medical Center and told police he was in the area of Virginia Avenue when he heard gunshots. The victim, realizing he had been shot in the arm, got into a vehicle that dropped him off at the trauma center, police said.

Authorities on Saturday did not announce any arrests or release any suspect descriptions in the incident, which remains under investigation by the Mercer County Shooting Response Team.

Trenton man denies killing friend over drug debt

Isaac Avilucea — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 10:31:27 -0400

A city man who may have shot another man to death over a drug debt denies being involved in his friend’s death.

But Assistant Prosecutor Tim Ward said at a bail hearing Monday morning that at least one witness identified 37-year-old Alberto Perez, who has been charged with murder and weapons offenses, as the man behind the fatal Aug. 5 shooting of Jonathan Jimenez.

Alberto Perez

Jimenez was shot in the chest and found in the street on the first block of Cummings Avenue.

A judge maintained Perez’s bail at $750,000 after hearing from prosecutors, who said a witness told police that after the shooting, Perez fled in a Honda Civic that was later located a few blocks away from the slaying.

Perez lived a short distance away from the murder, on Anderson Street.

Witnesses told police another Hispanic man was in the car but it is unclear at this point whether authorities are seeking a second suspect in connection with the fatal shooting.

Prosecutors shed little light on the circumstances of the shooting at the bail hearing and did not address a possible motive for the killing.

Police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Jimenez was killed over an $80 drug debt.

Jimenez’s widow, Andrea Vargas, told The Trentonian that Perez was friends with her husband and attended family functions in the past.

“They were close enough that they would eat from the same plate,” she said. “They were definitely friends. He attended a baby shower with Jonathan.”

When Perez spoke to police after he was arrested, he denied having anything to do with Jimenez’s murder. He acknowledged being in the area, Ward said.

Jason Charles Matey, Perez’s attorney, said his client maintains his innocence and his office will vigorously contest the charges.

Jonathan Jimenez

Perez and Jimenez are both from Puerto Rico but have lived in Trenton for more than a decade.

Jimenez’s family said he moved into a home on Cummings Avenue three days before he was gunned down.

Perez has lived in New Jersey for at least 16 years, Matey said.

Perez has prior convictions for burglary and violated probation in the past but does not appear to have any documented history of violence.

Jimenez left behind a 10-year-old son and two daughters, ages 15 and 11. He also has two brothers living in Trenton, one of whom is his twin.

Man charged in connection with Chambersburg murder

Penny Ray — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 13:43:09 -0400

Alberto Perez

A city man accused of killing his close friend may have pulled the trigger over an $80 drug debt.

Alberto A. Perez, 37, is charged with murder and related weapons offenses for allegedly killing Jonathan Jimenez, who was gunned down last Friday.

Jonathan's relatives say he and Perez were close friends, and that they may have argued over an $80 debt.

Police sources told The Trentonian the argument regarded a drug debt.

"They were close enough that they would eat from the same plate," Jonathan’s estranged wife Andrea Vargas said, adding that she doesn't understand why someone would kill their own friend. "They were definitely friends. He attended a baby shower with Jonathan."

Officials say Perez was arrested in connection with unrelated outstanding warrants this past weekend. Prosecutor's charged him with murder Tuesday afternoon.

Jimenez, who is originally from Puerto Rico but has lived in Trenton for more than a decade, was gunned down in the first block of Cummings Avenue around 10:30 p.m. August 5. His family says he had moved into a home on that block three days prior to his death. When police arrived at the scene, they found Jimenez lying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound through his chest. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Witnesses reported seeing two Hispanic males flee the crime scene in a vehicle that was later found a few blocks away. Officials would not confirm whether the second suspect has been identified. But a spokesperson with the prosecutor's office said the investigation remains ongoing.

Jimenez — who most recently worked for a car dealership, but often found landscaping work as well, and used to be employed as a security guard at Ilusiones Bar and Restaurant — left behind three children: a 10-year-old son and two daughters, ages 15 and 11. He also has two brothers living in Trenton, one of whom is his twin.

His family originally planned to send Jonathan's body back to Puerto Rico to be laid to rest on a plot of land where other relatives are buried. But they have now decided to bury him in Trenton so his children can regularly visit his grave.

Jonathan Jimenez

"Some of his family is in Puerto Rico, but his life was over here," Gloria Ruiz, who’s the godmother of Jonathan’s oldest daughter, said. "If they bury him in Puerto Rico, the kids won't be able to visit him. They want to visit his grave at least five minutes every day."

The death of a father would be traumatic for any young child, but Jonathan's death compounds his kids' grief because they were friends with 16-year-old Ciony Kirkman, who died earlier this year after being shot in the head while in a stolen minivan on Jersey Street.

"The kids are not doing too good," Ruiz said. "They're taking it day-by-day."

The family plans to host a fundraiser to help pay for Jonathan's funeral expenses Friday in Columbus Park from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Friends and family paid their respects at two makeshift memorials in Chambersburg on the Sunday after Jonathan Jimenez's death. (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

Community mourns death of Trenton man killed Friday

Penny Ray — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 17:52:48 -0400

This makeshift memorial honoring Jonathan Jimenez is located in the 500 block of Emory Avenue. (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

A woman who was walking across Emory Avenue Sunday afternoon noticed a makeshift memorial in honor of Jonathan Jimenez and made the sign of the cross on her body. The woman doesn’t know Jimenez, nor any of his family, but it was a gesture of understanding and faith that justice will prevail.

Jimenez, 32, was shot and killed in the Chambersburg section of the city outside of his Cummings Avenue home Friday night. His relatives say he moved into the property three days prior to his death.

Jimenez left behind three children: a 10-year-old son and two daughters, ages 15 and 11. He also has two brothers living in Trenton, one of whom is his twin.

Jonathan Jimenez (submitted photo)

“It hurts for me and the kids to look at his twin brother,” Jonathan’s estranged wife Andrea Vargas said as tears streamed down her face. “Now when I look at him, I don’t see Anthony anymore. I see my children’s father.”

Make no mistake about it, the shock of Jonathan’s death reverberated throughout Trenton’s Latin-American community. There are two makeshift memorials in his honor: one on Cummings Avenue where the shooting happened, and one in the 500 block of Emory Avenue. All day Sunday, his friends and relatives visited both memorials to show their respect. People close to Jonathan also held small gatherings in other locations throughout Trenton. They described him as a “happy-ass dude” who “always had a smile on his face.”

His relatives say Jonathan most recently worked for a car dealership, where he cleaned and detailed cars, which was one of his favorite pastimes. He often found landscaping work as well, and he used to be employed as a security guard at Ilusiones Bar and Restaurant on Roebling Avenue.

His family says Jonathan moved from Puerto Rico to the United States more than a decade ago to pursue “a better life.” His older brother Humberto, whom has lived here for 22 years, described Puerto Rico as a violent place where men are often shot simply for looking at another man’s girlfriend. Humberto said the U.S. was a better fit for Jonathan because he was outgoing and friendly to everyone. He never expected his brother to be gunned down in cold blood, Humberto said.

“In Puerto Rico, people want to fight for everything; they’re so jealous,” Humberto said. “But Jonathan would start a conversation with anyone and introduce himself. He was a really funny guy. When they called and told me my brother was shot, I thought it may have been his twin. I couldn't believe it was Jonathan. I held the phone in shock.”

It’s no secret that the Chambersburg section of Trenton has become a hotbed of crime in recent years. Last week, officials told The Trentonian that police are creating a plan to address crime throughout the neighborhood.

A report on Trenton’s neighborhoods published last year by New Jersey Community Capital and the Center for Community Progress ranks Chambersburg as one of the most violent areas in the capital city, with crime increasing at levels greater than the citywide trend. The report also notes that Chambersburg is experiencing a “significant erosion of homeownership,” and that the level of investor purchases in that section of the city is a “significant concern.”

Jonathan's brother Humberto Jimenez stands next to a makeshift memorial in the first block of Cummings Avenue (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

Gloria Ruiz, who’s the godmother of Jonathan’s oldest daughter, said residents of Chambersburg no longer look out for one another, which is most likely attributed to the lack of homeownership throughout the community.

“The people who have lived here for a long time try and stick together, but there’s a lot of people moving in and out and they’re not attentive to their neighbors,” Ruiz, who has lived in Chambersburg for about 10 years, said. “The neighborhood is changing and everyone seems so separated. It was much more peaceful when we first moved here and there were a lot less shootings. We need more security patrolling the area, and we need neighbors to come together and stop worrying about the petty things in life.”

As of press time Sunday, police have not disclosed a motive for the killing, nor have they charged anyone in connection with Jonathan’s death. But witnesses of the shooting reported seeing two Hispanic males flee the crime scene in a vehicle that was later found a few blocks away. Police say the vehicle has been processed for fingerprints, DNA and anything else of evidentiary value.

Jonathan’s family plans to send his body back to Puerto Rico to be laid to rest on a plot of land where other family members are buried, Humberto said. As friends visited the two memorials honoring Jonathan’s life Sunday, the family tried their best to honor wishes he expressed to them years ago.

“He said that when he dies he wants everyone to have a good time and celebrate his life and death in a positive way,” Vargas said while trying to force a smile. “He doesn’t want people complaining or crying. He wants us to play music and have drinks in his name, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

So far this year, 13 people have been murdered in the capital city. Anyone with information about Jimenez’s death is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at 609-989-6406. Or call the Trenton Police confidential tip line at 609-989-3663. Individuals may also call the Trenton Crime Stoppers tip line at 609-278-8477. Those wishing to text a tip can send a message labeled TCSTIPS to Trenton Crime Stoppers at 274637.

Trenton man shot, killed in Chambersburg

Sat, 06 Aug 2016 15:24:30 -0400

Jonathan Jimenez was shot and killed on Cummings Avenue Friday night. (Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman - Trentonian)

A 32-year-old Hispanic man was shot and killed late Friday in the Chambersburg neighborhood, police said.

Trenton resident Jonathan Jimenez of the 200 block of Hamilton Avenue was found lying in the street unconscious and unresponsive about 11 p.m. after suffering a gunshot wound through the chest, authorities said.

The victim was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, becoming the city’s 13th homicide victim of 2016, police said.

The shooting occurred in front of 35 Cummings Ave. about a half block away from Whittaker Avenue, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

Johnathan Jimenez

The gunman shot Jimenez and then hopped inside a vehicle. The shooter — described only as a Hispanic male — fled the scene in the vehicle, which was occupied by another Hispanic male suspect, police said.

The suspects drove the vehicle a few blocks away, parked it on Elmer Street and fled the area on foot, according to Trenton Police Capt. Donald Fillinger, citing witness observations.

Police located the vehicle and have processed it for fingerprints, DNA and anything else of evidential value, Fillinger said Saturday afternoon.

With Jimenez being fatally gunned down Friday night, “We will be praying for that family,” said the Rev. Lukata Mjumbe, a member of the United Mercer Interfaith Organization that prays at the scenes of Trenton homicide locations within 24 hours of a slaying.

Mjumbe on Saturday said victims of violent crimes in New Jersey and their family members are eligible to receive thousands of dollars in mental health counseling, funeral allowances and other monetary benefits courtesy of the state’s Victims of Crime Compensation Office.

“A city like Trenton that suffers so much in shootings and murders disproportionately to our numbers, you really have to take advantage of those programs,” Mjumbe said.

More mayhem

Trenton Police earlier on Friday arrested a 16-year-old boy on attempted murder charges in connection with a shooting unrelated to the homicide of Jimenez.

The suspect, whose name was not released because he is a juvenile, allegedly shot a vehicle multiple times about 11 a.m. Friday in an attempt to kill the 46-year-old Ocean County man who was driving the vehicle, police said.

The victim had driven into the capital city from Whiting to collect paperwork from Catholic Charities. The victim then drove over to East Hanover Street seeking to collect an $80 debt from a drug dealer associate, according to police, who said the associate was the 16-year-old suspect.

The Ocean County man located the boy and informed the juvenile that he needed the money owed to him. The teenager said he would get the money but came back to the area with a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim’s vehicle at least four times, police said.

None of the gunshots struck the Ocean County man. He immediately fled the area in his vehicle and drove to Trenton Police headquarters to report the incident, police said.

Police processed the victim’s vehicle for criminal evidence and took a statement from the victim, who provided police with the identity of the suspected shooter. Officers later found the suspect and charged him with criminal attempt homicide and numerous other charges, according to Capt. Fillinger. Although the victim admitted he was seeking to collect a drug payment, Fillinger said police are not charging the victim with anything.

In another violent crime, Trenton Police on Saturday were investigating a strong arm robbery that occurred about 1 p.m. on the 400 block of Southard Street near Brunswick Avenue.

A 58-year-old Trenton man was riding on his bicycle when a suspect forced the victim off the bike and punched the victim in his head, police said. The impact of the punch knocked the victim to the ground, causing the victim to suffer contusions to his forehead.

The suspect, described as a 5-foot-6 black male of thin build in his 20s, robbed the victim of his iPhone and fled down the side of Southard Street toward the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. The suspect was further described as having short black hair and was wearing a green T-shirt and black jeans, police said.

The bicyclist was taken to the hospital for treatment, according to Fillinger.

Anyone with information on the strong-arm robbery can contact the Trenton Police Confidential Tip Line at (609) 989-3663. Anyone with information on Jimenez’s slaying is urged to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406.