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MANCHESTER TWP., NJ - Four men have been charged in the death of a 35-year-old man in Ocean County, officials say.
Ocean County officials announced that Thursday, Sourav Kumar, 23, and Gaurav Singh, 27, of Greenwood, Indiana, were charged with Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder in connection with the death of Kuldeep Kumar, 35, of India, in Manchester Township in October 2024.
Additionally, officials say on Friday, Nirmal Singh, 30, and Gurdeep Singh, 22, also of Greenwood, Indiana, were both charged with the same crimes in connection to the 35-year-old’s death.
On December 14, 2024, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit was contacted for a report of a deceased individual who had been located in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Manchester Township.
Officials say detectives discovered a body in a state of advanced decomposition.
The next day, after a post-mortem examination, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the cause of the individual’s death was multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, and the manner of death to be homicide.
After further investigation and assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the victim was identified as Kuldeep Kumar, 35, of India.
Police say Kumar had been reported missing by family members in Ozone Park, New York, on October 26, 2024.
Following a thorough and comprehensive investigation involving numerous law enforcement agencies, it was determined that Sourav Kumar, Guarav Singh, Nirmal Singh, and Gurdeep Singh, acted together and in support of one another in carrying out the murder of Kuldeep Kumar.
On Friday all four suspects were taken into custody in Greenwood, Indiana without incident.
They were transported to Johnson County Jail in Franklin, Indiana, where they will remain lodged pending their extradition to New Jersey.
"The investigative efforts leading to the arrest of these defendants were nothing short of outstanding, and the teamwork exhibited by all the participating agencies truly exemplifies the best in law enforcement," Prosecutor Billhimer stated. "Collaborating with our law enforcement partners, particularly the FBI and NJSP, lead to the identification of our victim and the swift apprehension of these defendants in Indiana. I want to express my deepest gratitude for their assistance in this investigation," Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
"The charges brought against the individuals in connection with this tragic murder in Manchester Township reflect the tireless commitment of our detectives and the outstanding collaborative efforts of law enforcement at every level," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "Justice for victims and their families is always our highest priority, and this case is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and determination of those who worked relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable."