Long Branch Men Could Face Life In Prison For Attempted Murder

FREEHOLD, NJ - Two Long Branch men have pleaded guilty to attempted murder after they admitted they fired shots into a an SUV outside the La Quinta Inn in West Long Branch in January 2017, Monmouth County Christopher J. Gramaccioni said.

The shootings were caught on a nearby surveillance camera.

Rayshawn Jones, 27, and Michael Seward, 30, each pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of first degree attempted murder, two counts of second degree aggravated assault, one count each of second degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second degree unlawful possession of a weapon, second degree certain persons not to have weapons, and fourth degree refusal to provide a DNA sample, Gramiccioni said.

The pleas were entered on the eve of their trial. Both men could face life in prison because of their prior criminal records, Gramiccioni said.

Jones and Seward each fired multiple shots into a GMC Yukon striking two Long Branch men sitting in the vehicle. Both fled on foot before they were taken into custody a short time later. The victims were taken to Monmouth Medical Center where they were treated and released for their injuries, he said.

Both men admitted they intended to kill the two occupants during the shooting.

Rayshawn Jones also admitted he was a member of the Fruit Town Brims set of the violent Bloods criminal street gang, Gramiccioni said.

Both men are slated to be sentenced before Monmouth County Superior Court Jude Richard W. English on May 4.

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