Authorities Capture Newton NJ Shooting Suspect Near Mexican-American Border

By Travis Tormey posted in Homicide on Thursday, October 31, 2013

Newton New Jersey Homicide LawyersU.S. Customs officials apprehended a Denville NJ man accused of shooting a man in Newton, New Jersey.

Earlier this year, in a small town near the Mexican-American border, 29-year-old Karl Friday was arrested after being found on a Greyhound bus. Mr. Friday was taken into custody by U.S. Customs officials at a checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas. In recent years, the checkpoint has been the site of several celebrity drug arrests, including arrests of Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Fiona Apple, and Arnie Hammer.

Two (2) weeks before being caught at the checkpoint, Mr. Friday allegedly shot a man in Newton, New Jersey.

Although Mr. Friday was found near the Mexican border, police are not convinced that he planned to cross it and are unsure of his intended destination.

Authorities believe that Mr. Friday broke into the victim’s Newton NJ home on February 8 and subsequently shot him. The victim, a 26-year-old man who has yet to be named, is known only as “J.G.” According to police, J.G., his girlfriend, and his two children hid in a room on the second floor after Mr. Friday broke-in on the first floor. When Mr. Friday found the group in hiding, he allegedly shot through the door, with the bullet striking J.G. in the shoulder. Police said that Mr. Friday was carrying an MAK 90 Sporter 7.62-by-.39 caliber assault rifle.

Police believe that Mr. Friday was driven from the scene of the crime by Leanne Dawes, a 27-year-old Denville NJ woman. Ms. Dawes has been charged with third degree hindering apprehension for her involvement.

Last week, Mr. Friday was indicted on several charges, including first degree attempted murder. Mr. Friday also faces charges for aggravated assault with an assault rifle, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an assault weapon, burglary while armed with an assault weapon, and second degree aggravated assault.

As of yet, authorities have not announced what they believe to be Mr. Friday’s motive in the shooting. However, prosecutors indicated that some kind of relationship between Mr. Friday and J.G.’s girlfriend might have been a factor. Prosecutors specified that the State has not connected the incident to drugs or gang activity.

While awaiting his arraignment, Mr. Friday is currently being held at the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $750,000.00. During his time at the county jail, Mr. Friday allegedly punched a sheriff’s officer in the face. As a result, Mr. Friday now faces additional charges for third degree aggravated assault.

For more information related to this case, please see the NJ.com article entitled “Morris Man Nabbed Near Border Indicted in Shooting of Newton Man.”


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