Seaside Heights Man Sentenced For Aggravated Manslaughter

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — A Seaside Heights man was sentenced to 22 years in New Jersey State Prison for aggravated manslaughter Monday, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

John T. Mullen Jr., 51, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter for stabbing a man, the OCPO said.

The incident occurred Oct. 20, 2019, when Manchester Township Police responded to multiple 911 calls about a body lying in the driveway of the Surf and Stream Campground in Toms River, the OCPO said. Police identified the body as Thomas J. Applegate, 34, of Manchester, and found a wound in his chest. Applegate was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation determined that Mullen stabbed Applegate during a drug deal. The involved agencies in the investigation include the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Manchester Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

“We hope this sentence affords the family of Mr. Applegate some level of peace and closure,” Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

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