Franklin Man Sought In Perth Amboy Murder

Middlesex County and township authorities are looking for Jahmmel Chephas, who has been charged with the murder of a Perth Amboy man.
Photo: Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

A 32-year-old township man has been charged by Middlesex County authorities with the Valentine’s Day murder of a Perth Amboy resident.

Jahmmel Chephas of Franklin Park was charged by the Middlesex County Proseuctor’s Office with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and illegal possession of a weapon in connection with the early morning shooting of Richard Pryce, 31, outside a Perth Amboy bar.

Chephas fled the scene of the shooting and is at large, according to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. Township police are aiding in the search for Chephas, police Sgt. Philip Rizzo said Monday.

Chephas and Pryce were involved in an altercation outside the 829 Lounge on Amboy Avenue sometime around 1:35 a.m., according to the release. Investigators determined that Pryce was shot on Amboy Avenue, near Barclay Street.

After the shooting, Pryce returned to the bar and was taken by a friend to Raritan Bay Medical Center, Perth Amboy, according to the release. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 3:02 a.m., according to the release.

An autopsy by the Midlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Pryce died from the shooting, according to the release.

The charges were filed during an investigation by Detective Sandra Rivera of the Perth Amboy Police Department and Detective Jeffrey Temple of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, according to the release.

Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County is offering a reward to anyone who wants to anonymously provide information that leads to the arrest of Chephas. Contact Crime Stoppers at 800-939-9600, www.middlesextips.com or sending the text “midtip” followed by a message to 274637 (CRIMES). Those who call will be given instructions on how to collect cash rewards by using a numerical code that will be recognized by a local bank, which will pay the rewards. The amount of the awards will be decided by the Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County Board of Directors.

The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information also is asked to call (732) 324-3856 or Temple at (732) 745-3373.

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