New Jersey

4th Man Charged in 2009 Beating Death of New Jersey Teacher

Another New Jersey man has been charged in the 2009 beating death of a middle school teacher who authorities say was a victim of mistaken identity.

Monmouth County prosecutors say 38-year-old Jerry Spraulding, of Keansburg, faces felony murder and other charges.

Spraulding is the fourth man charged in the death of Jonelle Melton, whose body was found in September 2009 inside her Neptune City apartment. The 33-year-old taught at a middle school in Red Bank.

Authorities have said the men planned on robbing a different apartment in the same complex. But when they encountered Melton, they soon realized they were in the wrong unit.

Spraulding is now serving an 8-year state prison sentence after he was convicted last year on two unrelated counts of distributing drugs. It wasn't known Saturday if he had retained an attorney.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us