The Manchester Township man who previously plead guilty to aggravated manslaughter in a case of matricide has now been sentenced to 18-years in New Jersey state prison.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced that 18-year old Edgar Diaz was sentenced Friday by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Manslaughter killing of his mother, Margarita Diaz.

Edgar Diaz must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2.

On August 7, 2019, around 8:42 p.m., Toms River Police were dispatched to Deer Chase Professional Park for reports of an assault.

The Officers arrived and found an unresponsive female and despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center.

The investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that Edgar Diaz attacked his mother following an argument, stabbed her with a knife, and slammed her head into the pavement outside their parked vehicle at the Deer Chase Professional Park.

He has been lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center since his apprehension on August 13, 2019.

“This was a horrific, bone-chilling event that rocked our community and destroyed a family,” Prosecutor Billhimer said following the guilty plea in January. “I cannot comprehend as to why this young man would senselessly take the life of his own mother, but justice for Margarita will be served,” the Prosecutor continued. “I want to acknowledge the fine work of Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony Pierro and Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski, who skillfully prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. I would also extend my gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their collective assistance in solving this horrendous crime in less than one week, and swiftly removing this dangerous young man from our community."

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledged the work of Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony Pierro and Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski, who skillfully handled the case on behalf of the State.

Billhimer also commended the efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their professionalism and collective assistance resulting in this lengthy State Prison sentence for Diaz.

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