Woodbury, NJ – Ramon L. Acevedo, 41, of Paulsboro, pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree murder, second-degree aggravated assault, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in a January shooting that left one dead and one injured, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court: On January 3, 2026, Paulsboro Police responded to a 911 call on Elizabeth Avenue reporting an adult female, later identified as Hazel M. Santiago, with a gunshot wound to the head and a second victim, a minor, who had been shot and fled the residence. During the call, Acevedo identified himself and stated that he had shot both victims.
He later admitted to shooting Santiago during an ongoing dispute and shooting the minor victim while handling the firearm in the hallway of the residence. He pled guilty Monday to all three charges and will be sentenced by the Honorable Niki Arbittier on Nov. 17, 2026.
The maximum terms of incarceration are 30 years to life for first-degree murder, 5 to 10 years for second-degree aggravated assault, and 5 to 10 years for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The State is represented by Assistant Prosecutor Kernie Desir.
The County of Gloucester complies with all state and federal rules and regulations against discrimination in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, and activities. In addition, County encourages participation of people with disabilities in its programs and activities and offers special services to all residents 60 years of age and older. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the County’s ADA Coordinator at (856) 384-6842/ New Jersey Relay Service 711.
Prosecutor Johns thanked the GCPO Major Crimes and Crime Scene Investigation Units, and the Paulsboro Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
Defense Counsel: Charles Peruto, Jr., Esq.