VINELAND, NJ — A tragic incident unfolded Monday morning when a man was fatally stabbed at an apartment complex in Vineland, leading to the swift arrest of a suspect, authorities confirmed.
Vineland Police responded to reports of a stabbing in progress around 10:30 a.m. at 771 S East Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man suffering from multiple stab wounds and in critical condition, according to a statement from the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.
The victim, identified as Ronald Shields, 67, of Vineland, was airlifted to an Atlantic City hospital for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, Shields succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Following witness accounts, police identified the suspect as Jayron Thomas, 27, also a resident of East Avenue in Vineland. Thomas was apprehended a short distance from the crime scene without incident.
Authorities have charged Thomas with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and tampering with evidence. He is currently being held at the Cumberland County Correctional Facility, pending a pretrial detention hearing. Court records accessed on Tuesday indicate that Thomas does not yet have an attorney listed.
The motive and circumstances surrounding the stabbing remain under investigation, and no further details have been released at this time. The Vineland Police Department and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office are seeking additional information from the public to aid in the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Vineland Police Officer Brian Cole at 856-691-4111 or Detective Dalton Scola of the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-453-0486. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at CCPO.TIPS.
