Coast News Today

A 35-year-old Vineland man has been sentenced to at least 30 years in state prison for the 2024 murder of Bonnie Hitchens outside a Millville convenience store. Eric Bundy-Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder after confessing to the shooting, which authorities described as a targeted attack stemming from a previous relationship with the victim. The… The post Vineland Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Fatal Convenience Store Shooting appeared first on Coast News Today.

Authorities have arrested 53-year-old Brian Leach, owner of Leach’s Sobriety House, following allegations of sexual assault against a resident in one of his Cape May County facilities. Prosecutors allege that Leach utilized his supervisory position and recovery court connections to solicit sexual favors from the victim in exchange for cash. Investigators executed search warrants at… The post New Jersey Sober-Living Owner Charged with Sexual Assault appeared first on Coast News Today.

A 32-year-old South Carolina man is awaiting extradition to New Jersey following his arrest for the alleged sexual assault of a minor in Cape May City. William Nichols was taken into custody Sunday in Florence County after a joint investigation by local and county detectives led to charges of aggravated sexual assault and endangering the… The post South Carolina Man Arrested for Alleged Assault of Minor appeared first on Coast News Today.

Authorities are investigating after a person walking in a wooded area of Middle Township discovered human skeletal remains on Tuesday. Detectives recovered what appears to be the remains of an adult male in the Whitesboro section, though a formal identification has not yet been made. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the ongoing… The post Skeletal Remains Discovered in Middle Township appeared first on Coast News Today.

Tourism officials in Cape May County are reporting a significant drop in Canadian visitors, with some local businesses seeing cancellations increase by nearly 70% compared to previous years. Industry leaders attribute the trend to a tense political climate, including recent trade disputes and a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. While local stakeholders continue to market… The post Jersey Shore Tourism Officials Report Decline in Canadian Visitors appeared first on Coast News Today.

Two individuals previously facing first-degree murder charges in the 2023 death of 21-year-old Emily Cruddas pleaded guilty to reduced offenses on Monday. Joseph Ragan was sentenced to five years for drug-induced death, while Sarah Errickson, the victim’s sister, faces an eight-year term after pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter. Investigators say the pair staged the overdose… The post Reduced Charges for Duo in 2023 Upper Township Death appeared first on Coast News Today.

A 41-year-old South Jersey man died early Saturday morning following a single-car accident on Route 40 in Hamilton Township. Authorities report that William Bussey was traveling eastbound when his vehicle crossed into the westbound shoulder and struck several trees; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police noted that Bussey was not wearing a seatbelt… The post Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Mays Landing Man appeared first on Coast News Today.

Wildwood Crest officials announced that the borough will not purchase additional beach storage boxes this summer as rising municipal costs for utilities, labor, and insurance tighten the local budget. While the popular rental program generates significant revenue, the current shortage has led the borough to prioritize residents over out-of-town applicants on the growing waitlist. Mayor… The post Wildwood Crest Halts Beach Box Expansion Due to Budget Constraints appeared first on Coast News Today.

Wildwood Middle and High School transitioned to remote learning this Thursday after an HVAC unit fire damaged a third-floor classroom early Wednesday morning. While the fire was quickly extinguished, Superintendent J. Kenyon Kummings stated that virtual classes will continue indefinitely while a remediation company assesses the building for smoke damage and repairs. The district is… The post Wildwood Students Pivot to Virtual Learning Following Classroom Fire appeared first on Coast News Today.

The owners of Trio Restaurant have expanded their North Wildwood footprint with the $2.45 million purchase of The Salty Mermaid Bar & Grille. The transaction, which closed on February 3rd, included the modern facility, a liquor license, and an adjacent single-family residence. This acquisition marks the second Jersey Shore property for the Pennsylvania-based investment group… The post North Wildwood Restaurateurs Acquire The Salty Mermaid appeared first on Coast News Today.