The tragic loss of Detective Sergeant Monica Mosley has shaken New Jersey law enforcement and the Bridgeton community.
Authorities have now charged a fifth suspect, 35-year-old Byron L. Thomas from Paulsboro, in the October 15 murder of Mosley, a beloved Detective Sergeant with the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest on Tuesday, revealing disturbing details of the deadly home invasion.
Around 10:30 p.m. that night, police responded to reports of a break-in at Monica Mosley’s residence on Buckshutem Road, where multiple individuals reportedly kicked down the front door.
Inside, Mosley, 51, was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges Filed Against Thomas
Thomas faces a list of serious charges, including first-degree murder and first-degree murder during the commission of a burglary.
Additional charges include second-degree burglary, unlawful handgun possession, and obstruction of justice.
He was taken into custody over the weekend, following the charges filed on Friday, as announced in the prosecutor’s Tuesday statement.
Efforts to reach Thomas’s legal counsel have so far been unsuccessful.
Co-Defendants & Allegations Of Cover-Up
Authorities previously charged three other men in connection to the incident: Nyshawn Mutcherson, 29, from Vineland; Jarred D. Brown, 31, from Bridgeton; and Richard B. Hawkins Willis, 32, from Gloucester City.
All face similar charges, and the tragic timeline of events reveals a harrowing home invasion that led to Mosley’s death.
Adding to the complexity of the case, a fifth defendant, 38-year-old Cyndia E. Pimentel of Paulsboro, has been accused of tampering with evidence to obstruct the investigation.
She faces charges of hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice, and tampering.
Authorities say Pimentel, a former Camden County police officer, used her 2012 black Chevy Equinox as the getaway vehicle.
The SUV was later driven to a Philadelphia garage in an alleged attempt to hide it from investigators.
Monica Mosley Fought Back
Despite being fatally wounded, Detective Monica Mosley fought back during the assault, shooting Mutcherson in the chest.
Investigators report that Mutcherson sought medical attention for his injuries, while his alleged accomplices attempted to conceal their involvement.
Authorities continue to investigate whether Mosley had any prior connection to her attackers or if this was a random act of violence.
Hearings Scheduled for All Defendants
This week, detention hearings are scheduled for all five suspects, with Mutcherson appearing in court on Wednesday, Brown, Hawkins Willis, and Pimentel on Thursday, and Thomas on Friday.
Each remains in custody as they await their hearings.
Honoring Detective Monica Mosley’s Legacy
Detective Sergeant Monica Mosley’s law enforcement career spanned nearly two decades.
Starting in 2006 as a paralegal specialist, she became a county detective in 2009 and served in multiple key roles, including with the Special Victims and Community Justice units.
At the time of her passing, she was a supervisor in the Internal Affairs Unit.
Her colleagues remember her as a steadfast, compassionate public servant who made her community safer through tireless dedication.
In a public statement, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland praised the teamwork among law enforcement agencies that led to the swift charges: “We remain committed to seeking justice for Detective Sergeant Mosley and her family.”
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin echoed those sentiments, underscoring the state’s loss: “The law enforcement community and the State of New Jersey have lost a dedicated public servant, but we know the loss of Sergeant Monica Mosley is most deeply felt by her family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Ongoing Investigation & Call for Public Assistance
Detective Monica Mosley’s death has cast a shadow over her community and the law enforcement world, prompting an outpouring of grief.
Officials continue to investigate this case thoroughly, assisted by multiple agencies, including the New Jersey State Police Major Crimes Unit, Bridgeton Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, and U.S. Marshals.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135 or submit an anonymous tip at cmcpros.net/tips.
The hope remains that the dedicated efforts in seeking justice bring solace to Mosley’s loved ones and her community, who mourn the loss of a true hero and an amazing human being.
Please continue to send up prayers for Monica Mosley’s family, the community she served so selflessly, and everyone who cherished and misses her dearly.
You’re forever in my heart, my friend…I love you.
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