Salem County Homicide Investigation Ends With Arrest After Days-Long Search Across South Jersey

A homicide investigation that sparked a multi-county search across southern New Jersey has ended with the arrest of a Salem County man accused of killing his aunt during a domestic dispute and then fleeing the area.

Authorities announced that 27-year-old Leroy L. Martin Jr. of Woodstown was taken into custody on Thursday following an intensive search that involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Prosecutors allege Martin fatally shot his aunt, 59-year-old Jacqueline R. Martin, inside the apartment they shared on Lee Street in Woodstown.

According to investigators, Woodstown police officers were called to the residence on the evening of May 30 after concerns were raised about the victim’s well-being. When officers arrived at the apartment at approximately 5:30 p.m., they discovered Jacqueline Martin dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

The investigation quickly focused on Leroy Martin Jr. after detectives determined that an argument had taken place between the two relatives shortly before the shooting. Authorities say evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that the suspect left the scene immediately after the incident and drove away in his aunt’s vehicle.

Law enforcement officials launched a coordinated search effort that stretched across several counties in South Jersey. The vehicle connected to the case was recovered the following day in Camden, providing investigators with an important lead as they worked to locate the suspect.

As the search continued, authorities tracked Martin’s movements through several areas, including Salem, Camden, Gloucester, and possibly Cumberland counties. Investigators believe he was moving between locations in an attempt to avoid being captured.

The manhunt came to an end on Thursday when members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Martin in Camden. Officials said the arrest was carried out without incident. Authorities also reported that he was in possession of a firearm at the time he was taken into custody.

Martin now faces multiple criminal charges, including murder, criminal restraint, and weapons-related offenses. He is being held in Salem County while court proceedings move forward.

Court documents filed in connection with the case provide additional details about the events leading up to the shooting. Investigators allege that before the fatal gunfire, Martin prevented his aunt from leaving the apartment. The allegation forms part of the criminal restraint charge filed against him.

The investigation also includes information from a 911 caller who was reportedly speaking with Jacqueline Martin on the phone when the incident occurred. According to investigators, the caller told authorities that an argument was taking place between Martin and his aunt before gunshots were heard. The caller said the conversation suddenly went silent after the shots were fired.

When officers entered the residence, they found the victim on a couch in the living room. Detectives then began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the homicide investigation.

Authorities have not released additional information regarding a possible motive beyond the reported domestic dispute. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court hearings.

The arrest marks the conclusion of an intensive search effort but begins the next phase of the criminal justice process, with prosecutors seeking to move forward on the charges filed in connection with Jacqueline Martin’s death.