NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Cold Case Network has resulted in the charging of two suspects in connection with the 2008 robbery and fatal beating of Leroy Julious in Ewing Township, New Jersey.
Breyon Goodman, 36, of Trenton, and Jason Howard, 41, are each charged by complaint with Murder (1st degree), Felony Murder (1st degree), and Robbery (1st degree). Goodman was arrested in Trenton on April 15, 2024 by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. Howard, 41, was served his complaints in Rhode Island, where he is incarcerated for an unrelated incident.
According to the public documents filed in the case, on May 9, 2008, Ewing Police responded to the report of a caller stating that the victim, Leroy Julious, was injured and on the ground, bleeding. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle parked diagonally in front of a residence at the scene. There were multiple individuals on scene, including Howard, who was standing outside of the open driver’s door of the vehicle. Witnesses directed officers to Julious, who was lying on the ground in a gravel lot. The victim had severe head trauma, with blood on his face, head and neck, and officers noticed his pockets were turned inside out. Julious was pronounced dead at the scene.
As alleged, investigation revealed robbery to be a potential motive in the case. Officers learned that Julious was known to carry money and that his wallet was not on him when he was found. As alleged in the complaint affidavit, investigation also indicated that the assault on Julious started in the garage carport of a nearby house and his body was dragged to the empty gravel lot.
In March 2023, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force received new information and the case was reopened. At the direction of Prosecutor Onofri, the case was presented to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA’s) Regional Cold Case Task Force. In the fall of 2023, all viable physical evidence was resubmitted to the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, including DNA evidence. Technological advancements in forensic science provided new information related to the case.
“For 16 years the senseless, cruel death of Leroy Julious has gone unsolved,” said Platkin. “But law enforcement did not forget, and did not give up. We hope the charges bring a measure of relief to the victim’s grieving loved ones.”
“We are continuing to investigate this murder and are asking for the public’s help,” said Onofri. “Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact MCHTF detectives at (609) 989-6406 or [email protected].”
Republished courtesy of NJ AG