Man Found In Back Yard Died From Gunshot Wound

An autopsy performed on the man found dead in a Long Branch back yard on Wednesday has revealed that he died of a gunshot wound, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Public Information Officer Charlie Webster.

Webster said the death of Michael Wells, 56, of Point Pleasant, is being investigated as a homicide.

Webster said no arrests have been made in connection with Wells' death as of 3:15 p.m. on Thursday.

Wells was an employee of Dutch Prime Foods, 235 West Ave., Long Branch, which is about a block away from the backyard at 215 Cleveland Ave. where his body was found. The homeowner of 215 Cleveland Ave. reportedly discovered Wells body on Wednesday morning and called police at 7:30 a.m.

Wells was pronounced dead at 8:15 a.m., according to Webster.

The case is still being investigated by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and the Long Branch Police.