Jersey Shore Headlines

Here's the headlines you may have missed in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

A Long Branch teen could spend the rest of his life in prison for a violent 24-hour crime spree that led to the death of one of his victims last year. A Monmouth County Grand Jury handed up a seven-count indictment against 18-year-old Dante Strong for murder, armed robbery and weapons counts, according to Long Branch Patch.

A raccoon tested positive for rabies in Middletown. It's the township's first case this year. Officials said in a press release that the raccoon was found near Michael Drive and did not come in contact with any people or animals.

The March 31st discovery of a corpse near Rt. 9 in Toms River has led investigators to a Monmouth County man and woman. Anthony Skipper Noland and Tara Roberts are accused of dumping the body of John J. Dunn of Brick in a parking lot, according to a report on 92.7 WOBM.com.

A Brooklyn tow truck operator struck a plea deal in the death of a Keansburg woman whose body was found on the side of Rt. 18 in 2011, according to APP.com. Dexter Jeanty pleaded guilty yesterday to leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death. 26-year old Mary Macaluso died of blunt force trauma after jumping from Jeanty's moving tow truck.

Two boaters capsized off Keansburg yesterday. Cost Guard officials said they were in the water near the pier for almost a half hour but did not suffer hypothermia. They were rescued and transported to Bayshore Community Hospital.

A Long Branch man is charged with robbing two businesses using a fake, plastic gun. Todd Stathum was arrested last week for allegedly holding up the Monmouth Gas Convenience Store last month and the Lacita Mexican Grocery this month. Police are investigating whether there were any accomplices.

A Lakewood dognapping ends happily, but the house burglary around it is still an active investigation. Police say Finley, the 7-month old Pit Bull stolen during the break-in, was returned in good health Saturday. The owner reported hearing Finly barking at the gate wearing a different collar and leash.

Experts say early, elective childbirth can carry serious risks for babies and their mothers. That's why they've been trying to reduce the number of these births over the past few years. Our state boasts a 4% average of births conducted before 39 weeks without medical necessity. That's even better than the national number.

The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties continues a month-long drive with the Monmouth County Library branches to boost a lull in food donations. As post-Sandy recovery efforts continue and we head into the warmer months, the need for canned good donations is even greater. The Food Bank distributes to more than 260 pantries in our area. Drop off locations can be found at www.foodbankmoc.org.

A fifth ride will open on the lower deck of Casino Pier in Seaside this season. The 'Drop N Twist' rockets riders 56 feet up in the air before plummeting down and rotates 360 degrees. The amusement pier kicks off the 2014 season this weekend, according to a press release.