Hamilton Township: 18-Year-Old Charged With First-Degree Murder
Man Arrested for Shooting Death in Mercer County
A Burlington County man has been arrested for the shooting death of Matthew Morales following an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hamilton Police Division. Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced the charges on May 18th, 2023.
Joshua Davis, 18, of Fieldsboro, NJ, was charged with first-degree murder, possession of an unlawful weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was arrested Wednesday afternoon without incident in Mount Laurel. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Davis pending trial.
Officers from the Hamilton Police Division responded to a shooting in progress on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at approximately 1 a.m. in the 4900 block of S. Broad Street near Pilgrim Way. Upon arrival, officers found Morales, 28, of Blackwood, NJ, with a gunshot wound in the driveway of a nearby home. He was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Morales was shot during an altercation with Davis on S. Broad Street. However, the investigation is ongoing according to the authorities. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and contact MCHTF Detective Luis Vega or Sgt. Sherika Salmon. Information can also be emailed directly to [email protected].
It should be noted that although Davis has been charged with the murder of Morales, he is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This is a developing story, and more information will be revealed as the investigation continues.
The scene of the incident took place on South Broad Street near Pilgrim Way and Main Street, Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ. The shooting has left many locals in mourning, and the incident has shocked the community.
