Ocean County Man Charged With Killing Roommate

JACKSON – A township man remains behind bars, accused of the stabbing death of his roommate, authorities said.

In a joint news release, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz confirmed 38-year-old Louis Gargiso has been charged with Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in connection with the death of 74-year-old Robert Sunris. The incident took place on July 19.

Authorities said at approximately 5:55 a.m., the Jackson Township Police responded to a residence on Maple Street for a report of an unconscious male. Responding Officers discovered the deceased body of a male, later identified as Robert Sunris, with an apparent stab wound. Officers also observed a knife near the body.

The Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office performed a post mortem examination of Sunris. The examination determined that the cause of Sunris’ death was a stab wound and the manner of his death was homicide.

A thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Gargiso and Sunris were roommates at the Maple Street residence.

A further investigation revealed that Gargiso was responsible for Mr. Sunris’ death.

Gargiso was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Gargiso’s swift apprehension.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.