February 23, 2025
Updates & Happenings
Missing Neptune Teen Found
NEPTUNE, NJ — According to the Neptune Township Police, a 15-year-old girl from Monmouth County who had been reported missing has been found. Payton Cox, hailing from Neptune Township, was last observed on February 16 when she boarded an NJT train bound for Newark-Penn Station.
On Sunday, February 23, at 4:30 P.M., the Neptune Township Police, along with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, announced that Cox has been located safely. One of the initial reports about the missing teenager was issued by Sara Winick of the Middletown Patch, under the title "Search For Missing Monmouth Girl Still Underway: Prosecutors." According to the original report, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman, Christopher Swendeman, informed the Patch reporter that the 15-year-old from Neptune Township had been missing since Friday morning, February 21, 2025. Payton was last seen departing her home in Neptune at 2:20 P.M. on Sunday, February 16. Authorities describe her as 5-foot-8, wearing black and red checkered pants, black shoes, a white zip-up hoodie, and a dark-colored jacket, plus carrying a black backpack. She was last seen boarding an NJT train in Long Branch at 9:30 P.M., heading toward Newark-Penn Station. Authorities believe she might be in the Newark or New York area.
Concerned citizens of Monmouth County remained hopeful for Payton's safe return, recognizing how teenagers can easily become disoriented in large cities like Newark or New York City. The vastness and fast pace of cities, along with crowds and bright lights, can be challenging. Cell phones can be an invaluable tools for locating a missing teenager. Smartphones often come equipped with GPS technology that allows users to share their real-time location with trusted friends and family, making it easier to track their whereabouts if they become lost. Many popular messaging and social media apps also have built-in location-sharing features, enabling quick communication when seeking a missing teenager or child.
What to do if you encounter a missing teen who maybe afraid to call home?
If you encounter a missing teenager who might be afraid to call home, it's important to reassure them and create a supportive atmosphere.
You could say:
"Hey, it’s okay. I understand this situation can be really scary, but your safety is the most important thing right now. Your parents and friends are worried about you, and they just want to make sure you’re okay. If you call them, they’ll be relieved to hear from you, and we can figure everything out together. Remember, everyone makes mistakes and gets lost sometimes—what matters is that you reach out for help. You don’t have to face this alone. Let me help you make that call."
This approach highlights the importance of understanding, support, and encouraging teenagers to seek assistance when they experience anxiety about when and how to contact family members or friends.
Red Bank Resident Detained for Violent Assault and
Faces Deportation Proceedings
Red Bank NJ In a shocking episode that underscores the urgency of addressing public safety and legal accountability, Jose Hernandez-Ruano, a Red Bank resident, was detained following a violent incident that occurred in a Red Bank NJ'. Reports indicate that he allegedly invaded a Bank Street resident's backyard, striking the individual in the head with a blunt object, pouring gasoline on him, and threatened victim with a gun. The victim, who sought treatment at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, was fortunate to survive this terrifying encounter.
Despite the serious nature of the charges—aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, and obstruction of justice—Hernandez-Ruano was released after a detention hearing, presenting a grave concern for community safety. Hernandez-Ruano was released under the conditions of monthly monitoring and a restriction on contact with the victim, the decision of Monmouth County Court Houses raises questions about the adequacy of protections for citizens.
The situation escalated when, on February 20, 2025, Hernandez-Ruano was apprehended by ICE for being unlawfully present in the United States. This critical development highlights not only the ongoing struggles with individuals who pose a threat to public safety but also the importance of thorough immigration enforcement and the need for a comprehensive approach to crime prevention.
As more of these incidents come to light, citizens must advocate for stronger measures to ensure the safety of their communities. By holding individuals accountable and addressing unlawful presence issues, we can restore faith in our legal systems and ensure that incidents like these do not become standard occurrences. The community deserves protection, justice, and a renewed commitment to upholding the law.
Tragic Consequences of Domestic Violence and the
Urgent Need for Protective Measures When Concerning Black Children Living in Hotels While Homeless
In Franklin, NJ, Sean Tate, 36, from Woodbridge, faces charges of first-degree murder and second-degree child endangerment following the death of his four-year-old son. Police documents reveal that the child's six siblings were present when officers responded to a hotel in Somerset for an unresponsive boy. The autopsy report, released on Feb. 5, confirmed the death was due to "homicidal violence," with numerous injuries noted on the child's body. The boy, weighing only 24 pounds, appeared emaciated with multiple injuries, including a significant head injury and a prolapsed rectum that may suggest molestation another behavior learned from chattel slavery in concern of post traumatic slave syndrome behavior. On Feb. 19, 2025, police found the boy unresponsive at the Home Wood Suites Hotel, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day. Tate claimed the boy had fallen off a toilet two days prior, but interviews with four of the siblings of the four year old child revealed that Tate had physically beaten the child, leading to his death. Tate was arrested on Feb. 18, 2025, and the investigation is ongoing. The child's mother Chamyr Harris was reportedly present in the hotel room efficiency with Tate and the other six children. The situation suggests that the family was homeless as well for what may have been months or longer.
The effects of post-traumatic slave syndrome among Black Americans indicate that the harmful and traumatic behaviors experienced by their ancestors may have been inherited by generations directly descended from North American chattel slavery. This is partly due to various factors, including discriminatory and economic pressures, which prevented a particular portion of Black citizenship from unlearning the detrimental behaviors inflicted on their ancestors. These ancestors, who survived slavery, were never given the mental health services or reparative resources needed to avoid normalizing the trauma of North American chattel slavery, which has been passed down through generations.
One such behavior is child abuse, which originates from chattel slavery, a practice not normalized by the original African or indigenous Native American ancestors of Black citizens. This means that Black citizens in particular must actively work to eliminate this learned behavior, as it mirrors the punitive methods used by colonial oppressors on their ancestors. Additionally, when a homeless family is confined to a small living space for a prolonged period, it can lead to various mental health issues. This situation is often termed "environmental stress" or "housing instability," resulting in anxiety, depression, isolation, and other related stressors. In psychology, the effects of such living conditions may also be linked to "psychological distress" or "trauma," especially due to the lack of privacy and limited resources in a cramped environment. (Gif Source: Wix Gif)
A word to the wise:
Mothers should carefully evaluate the risks of leaving their children with potentially violent partners for several significant reasons.
Safety Concerns
The most pressing issue is the safety of the children. Violent partners may exhibit unpredictable and aggressive behavior, which can lead to physical harm not only to the mother but also to the children. Exposure to violence can result in direct harm or create an environment where children may inadvertently become victims.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Children who witness domestic violence often experience severe psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Growing up in a violent environment can lead to long-term emotional scars that may affect their development and future relationships.
Normalizing Violence
Leaving children in the care of a violent father can inadvertently teach them that such behavior is acceptable or normal. This can perpetuate a cycle of violence, as children may grow up to mimic such behavior in their own relationships.
Impaired Parenting
A violent father may not be able to provide a nurturing and stable environment for children. The volatility of their behavior can hinder effective parenting, resulting in neglect or further emotional trauma for the children.
Legal and Custodial Risks
Mothers who leave their children with violent partners may find themselves facing legal battles for custody. Courts often prioritize the safety and well-being of the children, and evidence of violence can significantly influence custody arrangements.
Support Systems
Mothers seeking to protect their children from violence should explore support systems, such as shelters, counseling, and legal assistance. Leaving children with violent fathers can result in feelings of isolation and lack of support, which can exacerbate the situation.
In summary, the safety, emotional well-being, and future development of children are at significant risk when left in the care of violent fathers. It’s crucial for mothers to prioritize their children's safety and seek alternative arrangements that foster a secure and nurturing environment. Per Middletown Patch article written by Alexis Tarrazi titled Dad Physically Beat 4-Year-Old To Death At Somerset Hotel, 4 Kids Say In Affidavit. "Anyone with information relating to this homicide is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos."
Press Release:
Newark EMS Corps Celebrates Inaugural Graduating
Class of EMTs Job Training Program
Newark, NJ – "Eleven young adults, ages 18 to 26, will graduate from the inaugural class of the Newark EMS Corps after completing a five-month, paid emergency medical technician (EMT) job training program. The Newark EMS Corps graduation will take place on Thursday, February 27 at 12:30 PM at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s Parsonnet Auditorium, 201 Lyons Avenue in Newark."
The 5-month program includes:
Applicants should be aged 18 to 26, live in the Greater Newark Area, have a high school diploma or equivalency, and have a valid driver's license. |
WHEN: Thursday, February 27 12:30 P.M. WHERE: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Parsonnet Auditorium 201 Lyons Avenue Newark NJ 07112 |
Heightened Flu Cases in New Jersey: Understanding the Risks of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in Children
Picture Source: Wix Media
Monmouth County NJ -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey ranks among the states with the highest flu cases in the U.S. The state's Department of Health's latest Respiratory Illness Surveillance Report indicates that hospital admissions and emergency department visits for the flu are still "elevated" across New Jersey. Health experts are alerting parents about a rare but potentially fatal brain infection, acute necrotizing encephalopathy, that some children are developing after contracting the flu.
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is an uncommon yet severe neurological complication that can occur in children, often linked to viral infections such as influenza. In ANE cases, the brain tissue becomes inflamed and may undergo necrosis (tissue death), resulting in various neurological symptoms.
For children with the flu, ANE may progress as follows:
1. Symptoms: Initially, a child may display typical flu symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches. However, if ANE develops, sudden changes in behavior, seizures, loss of consciousness, or difficulty with movements may occur.
2. Pathophysiology: The exact mechanism remains unclear, but it's believed that certain viral infections can trigger an abnormal immune response. This inflammatory response might damage the brain's structure, impacting areas responsible for functions such as motor skills, coordination, and cognitive abilities.
3. Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like MRI to identify changes in brain tissue. Treatment generally focuses on supportive care, managing symptoms, and addressing the underlying viral infection.
4. Prognosis: The outcome can vary widely. Some children may fully recover, while others might experience long-term neurological impairments. Early recognition and management are crucial for improving prognosis.
Due to its severity and rarity, awareness of ANE is vital for timely intervention in pediatric patients with influenza. If a child exhibits unusual symptoms following a flu infection, seeking medical attention promptly is essential.
Coast Guard Intensifies Search for Missing Person After Boat Capsizes Near Breezy Point"
Highlands NJ - According to a joint report from the United States Coast Guard and Middletown Patch reporter Carly Baldwin, the Coast Guard is continuing its search for a missing person after a boat capsized on the afternoon of Sunday, February 23rd, near Breezy Point. The Coast Guard identified the missing person as 52-year-old Vernon Glasford, who was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and black boots. The Coast Guard also stated that "throughout the night and into Monday morning, they deployed three aircrews, two small boat crews, and two ships for the search." The vessel reportedly left Howard Beach on Sunday morning for recreational fishing and was identified as a Grady White, approximately 30 feet long. The water temperature in the search area is currently around 38 degrees. Out of the five people rescued on Sunday, four were unresponsive. A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook rescued three individuals, an aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City rescued one, and an NYPD aviation crew recovered another person. All five were transported to local hospitals.
"The incident began on Sunday at 12:04 P.M. when Coast Guard Sector New York was notified by New York City 911 operators about a vessel taking on water near Breezy Point, a neighborhood at the tip of Queens’ Rockaway peninsula." Coast Guard watchstanders issued an emergency alert marine broadcast and dispatched three rescue boats from Coast Guard Station New York and Station Sandy Hook, along with an MH-65 helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City. To learn more please click Carly Baldwin's report titled "Boat That Sunk Off NJ, Killing 4, Was A Fishing Boat From Queens" https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/3-people-died-person-remains-missing-sinking-boat-raritan-bay?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
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