3 Teens Arrested in Deadly Home Invasion

Police say a man walked down his block, robbed two of his neighbors and killed one during a crime spree where he teamed up with two juveniles.

The 19-year-old man, a 17-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were arrested last night for the deadly home invasion that rocked a South Jersey community.

Bridgeton Police say 44-year-old Enrique Santiago was shot when he confronted a masked gunman who forced his way into Santiago's South Avenue home on Monday.

On Thursday, Bridgeton Police and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of the alleged triggerman Jacob Randolph and two alleged accomplices. Investigators say that Randolph burst into Santiago's home and demanded money before shooting Santiago.

Randolph, 19, lived on the same street as the victim.

"The incident itself is tragic all the way around, for the victim, his family and the families of the suspects," said police Capt. Michael Gaimari.

According to police Randolph not only burst into Santiago's home but he also kicked down the door of a 33-year-old woman also living on South Avenue and robbed her at gunpoint.

Randolph was held at Cumberland County Jail on murder, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, weapons, employing a juvenile to commit a crime and related counts unable to post $1 million bail.

Randolph's alleged underage accomplices, a girl from Sicklerville and a boy also from South Avenue, were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and sent to the county juvenile detention center, according to police.

Gaimari praised the hard work of area law enforcement and tips from the public for making an arrest within 48 hours of the crime.

"This investigation worked as it should, intensive investigation by both agencies non-stop since Monday night and crucial information provided by the public leading to witness statements, the recovery of evidence and ultimately charges. The residents of this city should be as proud as I am the way these officers work not only this case, but every investigation, and it helps immensely when the public steps up and gets involved."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us