The Manchester Township teenager who committed the act of matricide has plead guilty to aggravated manslaughter.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced that Edgar Diaz, 18, plead guilty to the killing of his mother, Margarita Diaz, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a(1).

The guilty plea was entered before the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P., on Friday.

Prosecutor Billhimer said that Diaz’ guilty plea to Aggravated Manslaughter was contemplated in connection with his voluntary waiver of the Family Court’s jurisdiction earlier this week, and his further agreement to be charged and prosecuted as an adult in Criminal Court.

Diaz was 17-years old when the crime occurred.

At the time of his sentencing on March 6, 2020, the State will recommend that Diaz be sentenced to a term of 20 years New Jersey State Prison subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.

On August 7, 2019, around 8:42 p.m., Toms River Police were dispatched to Deer Chase Professional Park for reports of an assault.

The Officers arrived and found an unresponsive female and despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center.

The investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Edgar Diaz attacked his mother following an argument, stabbed her with a knife, and slammed her head into the pavement outside their parked vehicle at the Deer Chase Professional Park.

He has been lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center since his apprehension on August 13, 2019.

“This was a horrific, bone-chilling event that rocked our community and destroyed a family,” Prosecutor Billhimer said. “I cannot comprehend as to why this young man would senselessly take the life of his own mother, but justice for Margarita will be served,” the Prosecutor continued. “I want to acknowledge the fine work of Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony Pierro and Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski, who skillfully prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. I would also extend my gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collective assistance in solving this horrendous crime in less than one week, and swiftly removing this dangerous young man from our community."

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