TOMS RIVER, NJ — In a tragic and deeply disturbing turn of events, the quiet suburban community of Toms River was rocked by a violent incident that unfolded on May 9, 2025. Steven McNeill, a 32-year-old resident of Jackson Township, now finds himself at the center of a murder investigation that has left one man dead and another seriously injured.
According to law enforcement officials, McNeill has been formally charged with Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and a range of other related offenses stemming from what authorities describe as a brutal and targeted altercation. The incident claimed the life of Raniek Mendez, 34, of Brick Township, and left Roderick Seward, 30, of Toms River, with critical injuries following a stabbing attack.
The violence erupted sometime on Friday, May 9, in a residential area of Toms River. Police responded to reports of an altercation and discovered both Mendez and Seward at the scene, suffering from apparent stab wounds. Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, Mendez was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. Seward was rushed into emergency surgery and remains in critical but stable condition as of the latest reports.
Investigators have remained tight-lipped regarding the specific motive behind the attack, but preliminary findings suggest that the three men knew each other prior to the confrontation. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that McNeill fled the scene after the incident but was located and apprehended later that same day without incident. He is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness given the level of violence involved. In a statement issued late Friday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer assured the public that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. “This was a senseless act of violence that claimed a life and altered another forever. We will ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families,” said Billhimer.
The investigation is being led by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit in collaboration with the Toms River Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Detectives continue to interview witnesses and collect evidence from the scene, which remains cordoned off as part of the active investigation.
The community has responded with shock and sadness, as the incident has unsettled the typically peaceful atmosphere of Toms River. Neighbors and community leaders are calling for increased mental health support and conflict resolution resources, emphasizing the need for peaceful de-escalation strategies in light of rising tensions in communities nationwide.
Friends and family of both Mendez and Seward have taken to social media to express grief and call for justice. A candlelight vigil is being planned in memory of Raniek Mendez, whose sudden and violent death has devastated those who knew him. “He had a kind soul and didn’t deserve this. We just want answers and accountability,” wrote a family member in a Facebook post.
As the legal process unfolds, Steven McNeill’s motives and mental state will likely come under intense scrutiny. His criminal history, if any, has not yet been disclosed by authorities. The coming days are expected to bring more clarity as prosecutors prepare their case and the public demands accountability for the bloodshed that shattered the peace of a spring day in Toms River.
This is a developing story. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office or the Toms River Police Department.