18-Year-Old Pleads Guilty In Point Beach Stabbings Near Boardwalk

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to charges connected to stabbings near the boardwalk last summer.

Juwan Roman, 18, of Newark pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with the Sept. 7 incident, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Roman was 17 years old when these crimes occurred. Earlier this week, he voluntarily waived jurisdiction of the Family Court – which handles juvenile delinquency matters – and agreed to be prosecuted as an adult, prosecutors said.

Roman will be sentenced on July 9th and prosecutors will recommend that he serve a term of seven years in New Jersey State Prison.

The incident happened at approximately 3:30 p.m. when the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls for reports of a fight on Jenkinson’s Beach.

Police found Alex Galdamez, 22, and William Mazariego, 18, both of West Haverstraw, N.Y., suffering from multiple stab wounds. Both were taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Point Pleasant Beach Police Department revealed that Roman was the person responsible for stabbing both Galdamez and Mazariego.

Roman was taken into custody without incident at the scene and has been lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center since his apprehension on Sept. 7.

Since then, local officials have sought to reassure the community that the area is safe.

Jenkinson's, which operates the boardwalk and much of the beach, released a statement saying the owners, the Storino family, were "deeply saddened by the horrible incident which occurred on their beach on the last day of the traditional summer season."

"Our prayers are with the victims and their families and relatives. We continue to wish for their speedy recovery," the statement read.

Jenkinson's said this is the first incident of this nature in the 40-plus years of Storino family ownership.

"The quick reaction and concerted teamwork of all involved, including Jenkinson’s lifeguards and EMTs; the Point Pleasant Beach police and first aid; and many others who assisted in responding to the tragic incident is greatly appreciated."

Mayor Paul Kanitra said the summer has been "unprecedented" on many levels, citing the coronavirus pandemic, the resulting increase in people "looking to create their own parties" and the litter resulting from those parties.

Kanitra noted that the town has taken actions to curb disorderly behavior on the beaches and boardwalk, saying the council "has chosen to stand strong and take each new challenge head-on."

"We’ve chosen to adapt to the situations, ferret out the facts and put in place well-thought-out resources and ordinances to try and combat everything as best as possible," he said. "We will continue to do that no matter what comes our way.

Here are photos and videos from the scene: