Wednesday Briefs From WOBM News

News from Ocean & Monmouth counties and around New Jersey.

LAKEWOOD - A Lakewood man suspected in the fatal hit and run of a township boy makes his first court appearance. Through an interpreter, 40-year-old Jesus Arellano has requested a public defender to represent him for the December 16th collision that left 12-year-old Edward Juarez dead. Arellano, a Mexican national who is here illegally, had bail maintained at $150,000. He faces 10 years on a second degree charge if convicted.

NEWARK - There's more legal haggling in the case of a well-known New Jersey lawyer charged with conspiring to murder two witnesses. Paul Bergrin's first murder trial ended with a deadlocked jury last month. In January, he will go to trial on seperate charges that include trying to have a different witness killed. The one time Monmouth County-based attorney represented celebrities before his 2009 arrest.

BELMAR - A shore area band is holding a benefit concert this Friday for a homeless man who's beating was shown on a YouTube video. The E Street Shuffle, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, announced a concert for David Ivins on their website. The band says the night's proceeds will go toward helping Ivins get back on his feet and homeless shelters in Monmouth County. The event takes place at the 507 Main bar and restaurant in Belmar at 10 p.m.

RED BANK - Two Red Bank men are honored for rescuing a city woman from a buning house in September. Borough officials presented Kristopher Parker And Robert Womble awards during a recent Council meeting. The men, pulled 64 year old Phyllis Rudrow from her Drs. James Parker Boulevard home but she later died from her injuries.

LITTLE EGG HARBOR - A proposed Walmart in southern Ocean County is also being met with challenges. The Little Egg Harbor Planning Board's approval of a Walmart supercenter on Route 9 has been upheld in state Superior Court. However, appeals over an endangered tree frog and concerns raised by residents could tie the construction of the big box store in court.