Report Says Trial To Begin For Alleged Asbury Park Murderer

ASBURY PARK – The Asbury Park Press says a trial is about to begin for an 82-year old man who was arrested and charged in the death of a male pedestrian in 2018.

Jury selection for the trial of Johnny Westbrook, 82, of Asbury Park is scheduled to begin Tuesday before Superior Court Judge Ellen Torregrossa-O’Connor at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, according to The Asbury Park Press.

Johnny Westbrook, 82, of Asbury Park was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Daniel Rivera, 63, also of Asbury Park, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

An investigation began when Asbury Park police received a 911 call at approximately 5:11 p.m. for a hit-and-run incident on Dec. 21, 2018. Law enforcement officials arrived to find the victim, Rivera, struck in the area of 3rd Avenue and Langford Street in Asbury Park by a 1998 Ford Explorer.

Rivera was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries from the collision and was pronounced at 5:41 p.m., the MCPO said.

A joint investigation was immediately launched by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Asbury Park Police Department. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Westbrook was the driver of the Ford Explorer which immediately fled the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information to assist the investigative team is urged to contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443, or Asbury Park Police Department at 732-774-1300.