Penns Grove Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Woodbury Shooting

Woodbury, NJ – Jasheir T. Hawkins, 19, of Penns Grove, has been charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder and two second-degree weapons charges in a shooting incident that left one victim wounded Wednesday, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns and Woodbury Police Chief Thomas Ryan jointly announced.

According to documents filed in this case:

Woodbury police responded to reports of gunfire near N. Evergreen Avenue Wednesday afternoon. Shortly afterwards, an adult male (Victim-1) with a gunshot wound to the neck arrived at a local hospital. A blue Honda sedan that had been struck by gunfire was found still running in front of the hospital, and security footage showed the driver (Victim-2) fleeing on foot.

The gunshot victim reported that earlier in the day Victim-2 had been in a physical altercation with Hawkins at the Woodlake Apartments. He stated that Hawkins ran into a wooded area behind the complex as the two victims drove to Victim-1’s residence, with Victim-1 driving and Victim-2 in the passenger seat. Moments after returning home, Victim-1 heard gunshots and was struck in the neck, then ducked into the backseat of the vehicle. Victim-2 moved into the driver’s seat and drove the vehicle to the hospital.

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George W. Merryfield, Jr., of Woodbury, formerly of Gloucester City

On January 7, 2026, one day shy of his 72nd birthday, George passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Woodbury, NJ. Formerly of Gloucester City.

He was predeceased by his parents, George W. Merryfield, Sr. and Jane Merryfield (née Harris). George is survived by his sons, George W. Merryfield, III (Megan) and Lewis Merryfield (Rachael); his grandchildren, Kyle, George IV, Josie, Nate, Annabelle, Olivia, and Lewie; and his siblings, Anna Champion (Jim), Robyn Merryfield (Joe), Jane “Tina” Klein (Murray), Floyd Merryfield, Mary Merryfield, Susan Stilley, and Lori DeLaurentis. George is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and friends who were like family—too numerous to measure.

George was the former owner and operator of Master Flooring and Remodeling in Norristown, PA. He enjoyed trips to the casino and trying his luck with scratch-off lottery tickets. His cell phone was his constant companion, and he was always happy to answer calls from family and friends. George enjoyed visiting his favorite local gathering places—often stopping in simply to say hello and spend time with those he cared about. A devoted sports fan, he never missed watching the Eagles or the Phillies. He also found joy in listening to music, fishing, and taking pride in his well-loved collection of hats.

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John Brian Kearney, of Woodbury/Gloucester City

Catholic Deacon, Navy Yard Engineer, WWII Naval Veteran

Sunday, July 24, 2022

On July 20, 2022. Age 99. Of Woodbury. Formerly of Gloucester City. Born in Donegal Township, PA, he was the son of the late Patrick J. and Maude (Horr) Kearney. Loving father of Frances X. Kearney (the late Deborah), Catherine E. Palumbo (the late Joseph), Marie Hunter (William), Anne Gross (Michael), Joseph Kearney (Catherine), John E. Kearney (Carol), Clare Kearney, Paul Kearney, Stephen Kearney (Mary Kathryn), Mark Kearney (Jill); many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Brian is also survived by his sister, Florence Reed; daughter-in-law, Rory Kearney; son-in-law, Tony Lentini. Brian was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Catherine V. (Williams) Kearney, he was also predeceased by his children, Michael Kearney, Patricia Lentini, Brian P. Kearney, Margaret Mary Kearney and Gerald Kearney.

(image Brian and Catherine Kearney)

Brian honored his country during WWII serving in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Engineer. He went on to work as an Electrical Engineer at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Naval Air Engineering Laboratory, Frankford Arsenal. Brian was employed as a supervisor of ship building for USN, Camden, NJ, and finally the Naval Air Development Center, Warminster, PA. where he retired on October 27, 1977.

Brian was ordained as a Deacon of the Catholic Diocese of Camden on October 4, 1976, and was assigned to Mary, Mother of the Church, Bellmawr. He also served at St. Vincent Pallotti R.C. Church, Haddon Township and Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Mt. Ephraim. Additionally, he also served in Hospital Ministry from 1976 to 1983.

Relatives, friends, brother Catholic Deacons and Clergy are invited to his viewing on Monday, July 25^th, 2022, from 5 to 8 PM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM on Tuesday, July 26^th in the church. The live-streaming of the Mass can be viewed at 10 AM at https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterSMCChurch Interment with U.S. Navy Military Honors in Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, NJ. There will be No morning viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Brian be made to: Cathedral Kitchen, 1514 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105 or a gift of a Mass Card for his soul.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of John Brian Kearney. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph:856-456-1142

Posted by CNBNewsnet on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 10:00 AM in Current Affairs, DELAWARE, Gloucester City NEWS, Gloucester County , Obituaries, Religion, South Jersey, St. Mary Grammar/Parish |

GCAS’s My Furry Valentine Adoption Event

Fall in love with a new pet

(Clayton, NJ) This Valentine’s Day residents have the opportunity to fall in love with a new furry friend during the Gloucester County Animal Shelter’s (GCAS) My Furry Valentine adoption event taking place on Feb. 14.

Click to enlarge

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, “Even our animals are looking for their special someone on Valentine’s Day. We have plenty of great animals looking for their forever homes and we’re hoping this event helps connect some residents with animals that just need a little extra love this Valentine’s Day.”

Freeholder Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, who oversees the GCAS said, “This one-day adoption event features reduced-price and waived fees for dogs and cats. We’re hoping that this reduced cost event can help our animals find great homes and help residents who were on the fence about getting a furry companion use this opportunity to adopt.”

On Friday, Feb. 14 from noon to 4 p.m., dogs and cats five years old and younger will have their adoption fees reduced to $35 while dogs and cats six years and older will have their adoption fees waived.

“On a day made to celebrate loved ones and promote love, we encourage residents to extend that love to the animals in our shelter who have plenty of love to give,” added Freeholder Deputy Director DiMarco.

Residents must have their adoption applications approved by Feb. 14 to participate. Applications can be found at

http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us/depts/a/shelter/peradoptapp.asp

and can be completed online or mailed to the GCAS.

The Gloucester County Animal Shelter is located at 1200 North Delsea Drive in Clayton.

For more information call (856) 881-2828.

$8,698 LIHEAP Grant for Gloucester County

(Woodbury, NJ) – Gloucester County is the recipient of a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) CWA Administration grant of $8,698.

LIHEAP is federally funded program administered by the Department of Community Affairs. The program helps low-income households pay for heating costs including electric, natural gas, oil and other deliverable fuels, even if heat is included in rent costs. LIHEAP grants are also available for medically necessary cooling costs.

Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, “The Home Energy Assistance grant will help us in assisting low-income residents with their heating and cooling bills by offsetting the administrative costs associated with these services.”

The award granted to Gloucester County will provide funds to administer the intake and eligibility determination of prospective beneficiaries of the LIHEAP program, including the accurate input of verified client information into the Family Assistance Management Information System.

Freeholder Jim Jefferson, Liaison to the Department of Social Services, said, “This grant helps us assist our residents have access to basic essentials such as food, heat, and a home, especially during the colder months.”

Gloucester County residents who feel they may qualify for LIHEA may contact (856) 423-0040.

Maple Shade PD Alert: Beware! Phone Scammers are Active in the Area

MAPLE SHADE, NJ (January 28, 2020)—-Authorities have reported an increase in various scams across the country which typically involve telemarketing scammers posing as

lawyers, customs, or lottery officials targeting residents with fraudulent promises of large cash prizes, vacation getaways, vehicles, or other prizes.

The perpetrators tell “winners” they can claim a prize if they pay for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes, by providing bank or credit card information, or by wiring the money. In some situations, the scammers ask their victims to send a check. When they have the bank routing number, they use it to make unauthorized withdrawals from the account.

**There is no Prize**

The scammers keep their victims money. They can be threatening, relentless and manipulative. They commonly prey on older adults. If you have older friends or relatives, remind them to be careful and seek another opinion before giving money to anyone under these circumstances.

REMEMBER

o If someone claims you have won a foreign lottery, it is a scam. Hang up immediately.

o Beware of solicitations asking you to send money to another country.

o Do not believe statements that you need to pay money to “collect your winnings.”

o Do not be rushed into sending money by a sense of urgency or threats.

o If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Address/Location

Maple Shade Township Police Department

200 N Stiles Ave

Maple Shade Township, NJ 08052

Contact

Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-emergencies: 856-234-8300

Raymond \’Mack\’ McNamara, of Woodbury, age 93

On January 7, 2020. Age 93. Of Woodbury. Loving and devoted husband of 59 years to the late Elaine McNamara (nee Conaty). Loving father of Raymond McNamara, Jr., Cathy Cesario and the late Timothy McNamara. Cherished grandfather of Devin McNamara, Alessandro Cesario, Marcello Cesario and the late Shane McNamara. Cherished great-grandfather of Shane McNamara, Jr. Beloved brother of Matthew McNamara, James McNamara and Eleanor Desposito.

Mack was born in Manhattan, NY on September 21, 1926 to the late Matthew and Mary McNamara (nee Keenan). He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, having received the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Victory Medal and Meritorious Mast. Mack retired as a supervisor for the Department of Sanitation for New York City.

Funeral services will be private.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Raymond F. McNamara, Sr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City, NJ. Ph: 856-456-1142.

Route 47 Traffic Shift Required at 47 Bridge Over I-295 on Thursday

I-295 southbound Exit 25B to remain closed for another month

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced daytime lane

closures with alternating traffic on Route 47 as the Bridge over I-295 replacement project nears completion in Deptford, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, January 16, NJDOT’s contractor, South State, is scheduled to close one lane on the Route 47 Bridge over I-295 and set up alternating traffic to facilitate a traffic shift. In addition, the ramp from I-295 southbound to Route 47 southbound will be closed temporarily while alternating traffic is in effect. The following signed detour will be in place until approximately 3 p.m.:

I-295 southbound Exit 25A to Route 47 southbound detour:

(Thursday, January 16 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Motorists on I-295 southbound wishing to take Exit 25A to Route 47 southbound will be directed to take Exit

24B/CR 551 (Westville/Woodbury Heights)

Bear left onto CR 551 South/Woodbury Heights

Continue on CR 551 South which becomes North Evergreen Avenue

Turn left onto CR 642/Red Bank Avenue, which becomes Tacoma Avenue to Route 47

By 3 p.m., traffic on the bridge will be shifted into the final configuration, with one lane open in each direction. The I-295 southbound Exit 25A ramp to Route 47 southbound will reopen.

The I-295 southbound Exit 25B ramp to Route 47 northbound will remain closed to allow for overhead sign installation.

The following detour will remain in place for approximately one month:

I-295 southbound Exit 25B to Route 47 northbound detour:

(Will remain in place for approximately one month)

Motorists on I-295 southbound wishing to take Exit 25B to Route 47 northbound will be directed to take Exit 24B to CR 551/Broadway (Westville/Woodbury Heights)

Keep right at the fork onto CR 551 north/Broadway toward Westville

Continue on CR 551 north which becomes Broadway

Turn left onto Route 47 northbound

The $7.7 million federally-funded project will replaced the existing concrete bridge deck, parapets and superstructure, which were in poor condition. It also increased the vertical clearance of the bridge up from 14 feet 4 inches, to meet current standards of 16 feet 6 inches.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work. The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT\’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the

NJDOT Facebook page

or on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

\”Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not forget the true gift: To give each other something of ourselves, to give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way Anxiety disappears, Joy is born, and the Feast is created. \”

~ Pope

Benedict XVI

Thank you for your support

and

loyalty over the past year…..

from all of us

CNBNews

BEST WISHES

Bill & Connie Cleary …

Gloucestercitynews.net since 2006

Murder Suspect John Jacobs of Millville Apprehended

John Jacobs (image courtesy of Salem Jail)

WOODBURY, NJ (Dec. 21, 2019)–Gloucester County Prosecutor Charles Fiore is pleased to announce the expedient arrest on December 20, 2019 of John Jacobs (DOB: 10/21/1992) of Millville, N.J.

Jacobs is charged with First Degree Murder, Arson, Hindering Apprehension, and Obstruction of Justice, in connection with the Murder of Sahlena Blackwell-Jacobs.

On Thursday December 19

, 2019, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Monroe Township Police Department was dispatched to 1920 South Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ for the report of a 2002 Black Chevy Trail Blazer, registered to John Jacobs, which displayed evidence of recent fire damage. This vehicle was sought in connection with the suspected murder of

Blackwell-Jacobs.

The Monroe Township Police Department, in conjunction with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office arrived at the scene and confirmed that Blackwell-Jacobs was deceased in the vehicle.

An autopsy conducted by Gloucester County Medical Examiner, Dr. Gerald Feigin, determined that the cause of death for Ms. Blackwell-Jacobs was “blunt neck trauma” and he ruled the manner of death as a “homicide.”

An exhaustive and relentless investigation was conducted into the initial disappearance and subsequent murder of Blackwell-Jacobs, leading to the prompt identification of Jacobs and the filing of the noted charges.

Multiple law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation and efforts to apprehend Jacobs, culminating with Jacobs’ arrest by the Millville City Police Department during the evening of December 20, 2019. Efforts to locate and arrest Jacobs over several days spanned multiple jurisdictions within Gloucester, Camden, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties.

“Prosecutor Fiore extends his heartfelt appreciation to the Millville City Police Department, Atlantic and Cumberland County Prosecutors’ Offices, New Jersey State Police, US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, NJ Transit Police Department, and the Atlantic City, Vineland City, Franklin Township, Woodbury City and Gloucester Township Police Departments. These local/county/state/federal partners, teaming with the GCPO and Monroe Township Police Department, ensured a seamless investigation which smoothly transitioned and maintained a rapid pace across geographical and jurisdictional boundaries. This was an exemplary effort grounded in the tenacity and commitment of a wide array of professional law enforcement officers who share a common goal to serve and protect their fellow citizens. I am also extremely proud of the lead investigators in this case, Detective Brian Lloyd of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and Detective Kevin Bielski of the Monroe Township Police Department.”

Subsequent to his arrest, Jacobs was transported to the GCPO for processing, and then lodged in the Salem County Jail pending a Detention Hearing.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of his rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State Law.