Man Admits Dealing Drugs That Led To Berkeley Man's Fatal Overdose

BERKELEY, NJ — A Monmouth County man has admitted to dealing drugs that led to a 33-year-old Berkeley man's fatal overdose, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

James Liu, 32, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the man's death on Dec. 26, 2023. At the time of Liu's sentencing on Dec. 5, 2025, the State will be seeking a term of seven years New Jersey State Prison subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Police responded to the Berkeley home on Dec. 26 for a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, police found the man already dead of an apparent overdose, Billhimer said.

Subsequent investigation found that Liu, an Ocean Township resident, had supplied the man with heroin/fentanyl prior to his death, according to Billhimer.

Detectives surveilled Liu on Dec. 28 and saw him driving near his home, Billhimer said. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Liu and took him into custody.

Liu was initially charged with possession of heroin/fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of heroin/fentanyl and possession of crack cocaine. He was issued these charges on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Further investigation and toxicology analysis found fentanyl in the Berkeley man's system, and the fentanyl was ruled to be the cause of his death, Billhimer said. Subsequently, Liu was charged with strict liability drug induced death on Feb. 15 and a warrant was issued for his arrest, Billhimer said.

Liu turned himself in to Berkeley police on Feb. 20, Billhimer said. He was taken to Ocean County Jail and released due to bail reform.