Attempted Murder Charge In Point Pleasant Beach Stabbings

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Local officials sought to reassure the community on Tuesday after a juvenile was charged with attempted murder in connection with two stabbings near the boardwalk this past weekend, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

A juvenile from Newark has been arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder in connection with the Monday stabbings in Point Pleasant Beach, the OCPO said.

The victims are identified as Alex Galdamez, 22, and William Mazariegogo, 18, both of West Haverstraw, NY. Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds and both were in serious but stable condition at Jersey Shore Medical Center on Tuesday, the OCPO said.

Jenkinson's, which operates the boardwalk and much of the beach, released a statement saying the owners, the Storino family, are "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 this 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.

"We have already made tremendous progress and the isolated incident yesterday does not change that in any way, shape or form."

Kanitra said the incident also reinforced his town's efforts to curb alcohol usage in the beach area – and Jenkinson's is suing Point Pleasant Beach to reverse that order. Read more: Jenkinson's Sues Point Pleasant Beach, Wants Alcohol On Beach

"I certainly hope Jenkinson's will finally see the light and drop their counterproductive lawsuit that undermines our ability to protect residents and visitors alike," he said.

"We should be working together as one on this front. This cannot stand in Point Pleasant Beach."

The juvenile was also charged with possession of a weapon – specifically a knife – for an unlawful purpose, the OCPO said.

The juvenile is being detained in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

“Our collaborative investigation revealed that this juvenile was responsible for both stabbings. We did have two individuals in custody last night, but only one of them is responsible for both stabbings,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Billhimer credited those who assisted in fighting this "heinous crime," saying they "really went above and beyond."

"The Jenkinson’s Lifeguards, Jenkinson’s management and security staff and the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, collectively, are the reason these two young men are still alive and we have the right person in custody,” Billhimer added.

The incident happened when police responded to a fight call involving a knife on the beach in the area of 300 Boardwalk, police said. Read more: 2 Stabbed In Fight In Point Pleasant Beach Near Boardwalk: Cops

The two men were found with stab wounds and transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center, police said.

Here are photos and videos from the scene:

An investigation is ongoing, police said.