Long Branch Man Charged With Attempted Murder: Prosecutor

LONG BRANCH, NJ - The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office has charged a Long Branch man with attempted murder and robbery in connection with an April 16 incident at the corner of Matilda and Second streets.

Azeem Jackson, 18, was charged on Aug. 7 with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said.

A joint investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Long Branch police department began after officers responded to a report of a shooting. The victim was taken to Jersey Shore Medical University Hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to the chest. Detectives were able to identify Azeem Jackson as the individual who shot the victim during the robbery attempt, the prosecutor said.

Jackson faces 20 years in a New Jersey state prison without parole if he is convicted of attempted murder, subject to the provisions of the "No Early Release Act," which would require him to serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for release on parole. He would also be under parole supervision for five years following his release from state prison. Jackson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, if he is convicted of robbery.

Jackson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in a New Jersey state prison on each count of the second degree weapons offenses, subject to the provisions of the Graves Act, which carries a mandatory period of parole ineligibility of one half of the custodial sentence imposed, or 42 months, whichever is greater.

Jackson has been lodged in the Monmouth County Jail on other charges not related to the shooting.He is scheduled for a detention hearing at 9 a.m. on August 13, in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge James J. McGann.

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