Prosecutor Comments on Growing Number of Drug Overdoses in County

Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor reports that since Sept. 1 to Oct. 9, there have been a number of drug related overdoses spreading across the entire County of Cape May, including North Wildwood, Lower Township, Middle Township and Dennis Township. During this time period, detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and each of the respective local municipalities and State Police investigated these drug related overdoses, four of which, have been fatal and have resulted in the unfortunate deaths of county residents. During the course of each of the investigations, the investigating detectives have found evidence at the scene, which is indicative of heroin use and is believed to be directly related to the cause of death in each of these fatal overdoses.
On Sept. 9, the Middle Township Police Department along with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office responded to a motel located within the Rio Grande section of Middle Township, where an investigation was initiated into the death of a 24 year-old male. Investigation at the scene revealed evidence, which lead detectives to believe the death may have been a possible overdose caused by the use of heroin. An autopsy is scheduled and the investigation is still ongoing.
On Sept. 18, the North Wildwood Police Department responded to a residence in North Wildwood to check the well being of a 60 year-old male resident. An initial investigation revealed the male subject was deceased in his bedroom and in the immediate area evidence was again located, which suggested the cause of death was believed to be related to the use of heroin. An autopsy is scheduled and the investigation is still ongoing.
On Oct. 6, the New Jersey State Police along with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office responded to a residence located within Dennis Township for an unresponsive 30 year-old male. An initial investigation at the scene confirmed the male victim was deceased in his bedroom, which is again believed to be a direct result of the use of heroin. Items located at the scene
corroborated evidence indicative of heroin use. An autopsy is scheduled and the investigation is still ongoing.
On Oct. 8, the Lower Township Police Department along the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office responded to residence located within Lower Township, where it was reported of an unconscious male needing assistance. A further investigation revealed a 46 year-old male was deceased and found lying on the living room floor. Evidence located at the scene in the immediate area of the deceased again, lead investigators to believe the death was believed to be a direct result of the use of heroin. An autopsy is scheduled and the investigation is still ongoing.
Prosecutor Taylor commented that from Jan. 1, 2013 to Oct. 10, 2013, Cape May County has documented 95 drug related overdoses, of which 23 have been fatal. The investigation into these drug related deaths are on-going and information concerning these deaths or any drug related crimes from the public is greatly appreciated. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force along with Detectives from each of the local municipalities within the County are working vigorously to identify the origin and suppliers of these illegal drugs such as heroin to help prevent any further deaths and prosecute these dealers.
Prosecutor Taylor further commented that heroin use is a growing epidemic within the County and affects everyone who comes in contact with it including the users and their families and friends. Prosecutor Taylor urges families to educate their children as to the dangerous of such illegal drugs and to continue to report any information regarding illegal drug activity and or any criminal activity within the community and this information can be reported anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriffs Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800 or 877-465-2801, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1168.
For the Herald’s previous coverage of the drug epidemic in the county and what’s being done, go to:
‘Approach to a Community Problem’ Seminar Raises Drug Abuse Awareness:
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/news/villas/95214-%E2%80%98approach+community+problem%E2%80%99+seminar+raises+drug+abuse+awareness
Call, Save a Life; Next Addiction Seminar Oct. 10:
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/people/court+house/95549-call+save+life+next+addiction+seminar+oct.+10