'Suspicious' Investigation Into Man's Death In Howell Continues As Community Seeks Answers

HOWELL, NJ — An investigation into the death of a man whose body was found at a site on White Road on Thursday was continuing Friday, which authorities have labeled as suspicious.

The man's body was reported to authorities at 6:41 a.m. Thursday on the 170 block of White Road, a joint statement from Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago Howell Police Chief John Storrow said.

No other details have been released, including the man's name, age or hometown. There is no danger to the public, authorities have said.

The presence of law enforcement at the White Road site and at one on Southport Drive in the vicinity of Chestnut Hill Road in the Candlewood section — the two sites appear to be related, the prosecutor's office said — has stirred considerable discussion in the community and a multitude of questions.

On Friday, Howell Township Police released a statement about the investigation, acknowledging the concerns.

"We understand you have many questions and concerns. Please know our detectives, as well as detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, are diligently working to uncover the facts of this investigation and will continue to do so," the statement said. "Please be aware this investigation is ongoing and active, and we do our best to ensure the integrity of the investigation as well as ensure there is no threat to the public."

"When an investigation of this magnitude is being conducted, and the lead agency of Monmouth County is involved, we are unable to disclose any specific details or developments of the case unless authorized by the Prosecutor’s Office," police said.

"We appreciate your understanding in the matter and urge anybody with new information related to this incident to please contact Howell Police Detective Vincent Bonner 732-938-4111 or Detective Kayla Santiago of the prosecutor's office at 800-533-7443.

The Major Crimes Bureau of the prosecutor's office, the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team and Howell Township police were involved in the investigation.

An Asbury Park Press report said there had been a SWAT operation by Howell police at the White Road site, but did not give any additional details or context on when the SWAT team became part of the situation.