Body found in Howell parking lot identified as Tinton Falls man

HOWELL - Investigators are trying to determine how a man died after he was found in a Home Depot parking lot on Route 9, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said Friday night.

Weldon Spaulding Jr., 61, of Tinton Falls, was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is expected to be performed Saturday to determine a cause and manner of death, Gramiccioni said in a prepared statement.

Spaulding was found lying on the ground of the parking lot about 1:30 p.m. Friday near the corner of Route 9 South and West Farms Road in Howell, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

A joint investigation is underway between the Prosecutor’s Office and Howell Township Police Department.

Anyone with information helpful to authorities about the circumstances of Spaudling's death is asked to call Detective Andrea Tozzi of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443 or Detective Rob Ortenzi of the Howell Township Police Department at 732-620-4280.

Howell police were first on the scene after a 911 call was received when Spaulding's body was discovered.

Investigators taped off an area of the parking lots near Chase bank and Dunkin' Donuts near the intersection of Route 9 and West Farms Road in Howell.



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Officers also used white sheets suspended by police tape to block part of the scene from passing motorists on Route 9. An investigator was seen photographing a parked car in the lot.

Passersby took note of the large area taped off by police, stopping to ask what happened.

“It looks serious,” said Pierre Romero, 27, of Camden.

“And it’s supposed to be Good Friday, too,” Romero said. “Look at that. Good Friday.”

Anyone who has information about this incident but wishes to remain anonymous can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.

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