The Toms River community is reeling from the tragic loss of Raniek Mendez, a 34-year-old Brick Township resident known for his dedication to local institutions and his compassionate spirit. Mendez, who served as a valued employee at multiple Lakewood yeshivas and as a member of the Hatzolah of Central Jersey service unit, was fatally stabbed in the early morning hours of May 9, 2025, at a residence on Adams Avenue in Toms River. His death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, as friends, colleagues, and community members mourn a man described as a devoted father, son, and friend.
The incident unfolded just after 7:20 a.m. when Toms River Township Police responded to a 911 call reporting an altercation at the Adams Avenue home. The call was placed by an off-duty Seaside Park Class II police officer who witnessed signs of the disturbance while leaving a nearby convenience store. Upon arrival, officers found Mendez suffering from a severe stab wound to the chest. He was rushed to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where, despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. A second victim, 30-year-old Roderick Seward of Toms River, was also stabbed during the incident but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Seward was transported to Ocean University Medical Center in Brick Township by a family member for treatment.
Authorities have charged Steven McNeill, a 32-year-old resident of Jackson Township, with murder in connection to Mendez’s death and attempted murder for the stabbing of Seward. McNeill faces additional charges, including possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, being a certain person not to possess a weapon, and eluding law enforcement. The investigation revealed that McNeill was involved in an earlier altercation at the same residence around 5:50 a.m. that day. Police had responded to a 911 call at that time, but McNeill left the scene before officers arrived, and the situation was deemed resolved.
Following the stabbings, investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit worked swiftly to identify a vehicle that fled the scene. The vehicle was located in Jackson Township, and after a brief pursuit, McNeill, the driver, stopped and was taken into custody without further incident. He is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.
During a court-authorized search of the Adams Avenue residence, detectives discovered a backpack belonging to Seward containing a small amount of cocaine. As a result, Seward faces charges of possession of less than one-half ounce of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine. These charges were served via summons, with Seward expected to appear in Ocean County Superior Court at a later date.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer noted that the investigation remains active, with additional details still under review. A shell casing was recovered at the scene, and a witness reported hearing a single gunshot, though no firearm has been located. Billhimer praised the collaborative efforts of the involved law enforcement agencies for their rapid response and thorough investigation, which led to McNeill’s apprehension within hours of the incident.
The loss of Raniek Mendez has sparked an outpouring of grief across the region, with community members remembering him for his selflessness and commitment to helping others. His contributions to Lakewood’s educational and emergency service communities underscored his role as a pillar of support for those around him. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on honoring Mendez’s memory and seeking justice for a life cut tragically short. Authorities have emphasized that all charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
