Life without parole for Ocean County double-murderer

The Toms River man found guilty of robbing and murdering a victim in Long Branch in 2013, already sentenced to 35 years for another killing, is given life without parole by a Monmouth County judge.

Alan Bienkowski, four days short of his 58th birthday, was sentenced today for the shooting death of Michael Wells at Wells's place of employment, according to the office of Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni.

Bienkowski was convicted on December 8 in Freehold, on counts of murder, felony murder, armed robbery, three weapons charges, and receving stolen property.

In April of this year, Bienkowski was sentenced to 35 years for beating his Manchester neighbor, Anthony Verdicchio, to death in his Pine Acres Manor mobile home, in May 2013.

Authorities aid that jurors listed three aggravating factors contributing to life without parole, one being the Verdicchio murder.

Investigators said that Bienkowski attacked Wells from behind and robbed him at about 4 AM on April 10, 2013, as Wells started his work day at Dutch Prime Foods.

Wells chased Bienkowski to a nearby yard, where he was shot with a stolen gun, investigators said. The gun was found the following year in the yard of Bienkowski's former dwelling in Manchester, by the individual who then occupied it, investigators said.

Assistant County Prosecutors Jennifer Lipp and Matthew Bogner presented the state's case. Attorney Robert Konzelmann of Howell represented Bienkowski.