Arrests Made In 2008 Cold Case Robbery Homicide Investigation

Two Charged In May 2008 Ewing Township Cold Case Robbery And Murder Of Leroy Julious

Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 6:00 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

TRENTON, NJ.- Following an extensive investigation by members of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office Cold Case Network has resulted in two men being charged in connection with the May 9, 2008, Ewing Township, New Jersey, Robbery and Beating Death of Leroy Julious.

     According to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, Breyon Goodman, 36, of Trenton, New Jersey, and Jason Howard, 41, currently detained in Rhode Island were each charged first degree Murder; first degree Felony Murder; and first degree Robbery.

     On Monday, April 15, 2024, Goodman was apprehended and taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Service New York/ New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. Following being processed on the charges Goodman was remanded to the Mercer County Correctional Center pending future court proceedings in Mercer County Superior Court. Howard was served with his warrant complaints in Rhode Island where he is currently incarcerated on an unrelated matter.

     According to documents filed in the case, on May 9, 2008, members of the Ewing Township Police Department responded to a report of a man, identified as Leroy Julious on the ground having sustained serious injuries. 

     Upon arrival, Police Officers located a diagonally parked vehicle in front of an Ewing Township residence. Further, Police Officers encountered several people, including Howard, who was standing outside of the open driver's door of the vehicle. Witnesses directed Police Officers to Mr. Julious, who was lying on the ground in a gravel parking lot. Mr. Julious had severe head trauma, with blood on his face, head, and neck, and Officers noticed that his pockets had been rifled through and turned inside out. Mr. Julious was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.

     In documents, as alleged, the investigation determined that robbery to be the potential motive in the case. Officers also learned that Mr. Julious was known to carry money and that his wallet was not on him when he was found. In the probable cause affidavit, the investigation also indicated that the assault on Mr. Julious started in the garage carport of a nearby house and his body was dragged to the empty gravel parking lot.

     In March 2023, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force received new information and the case was reopened. At the direction of Mercer County Prosecutor Onofri, the case was presented to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability Regional Cold Case Task Force. In the fall of 2023, all viable evidence was resubmitted to the New Jersey State Police Central Regional Laboratory, including DNA evidence. Technological advancements in forensic science provided new information related to the case.

     "For 16 years the senseless, cruel death of Leroy Julious has gone unsolved," said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. "But law enforcement did not forget and did not give up. We hope the charges bring a measure of relief to the victim's loved ones."

     "These detectives are relentless in the pursuit of justice," said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. "The technological and investigative resources made possible through this collaboration of law enforcement agencies are invaluable, and I am grateful to the Attorney General's Office for the formation of the Cold Case Task Force. Now we are able to announce charges and provide Mr. Julious' family with answers after all these years."

     "We are continuing to investigate this matter and are asking for the public's help," Prosecutor Onofri continued. "Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact MCHTF detectives at (609) 989-6406 or mchtftips@mercercounty.org."

"The rules of the court requires us to include a statement, that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."

FILED UNDER: APRIL 24, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, MERCER: