74-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Toms River Parking Lot

74-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Toms River Parking Area

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office stated that a 74-year-old lady was found deceased in her vehicle on Tuesday in the Toms River Walmart parking lot.

The woman "did appear to be homeless," according to prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

As of early Wednesday morning, the reason of her death was unknown, but according to Billhimer, the prosecutor's office's Major Crime Unit reported that her death did not seem suspicious.

According to Paul Hulse, CEO of Just Believe Inc., a group that has been helping the homeless in Ocean County since 2017, the woman's car had run out of gas and its battery had died. The organization went to the scene to assist with removing the car on behalf of the woman's family, which they were told would have been impounded, Hulse said.

"People living in their cars is a common theme lately throughout Ocean County," Hulse stated on Wednesday. "They do not have room at the warming centers right now because of how cold it’s been so it’s been challenging for people to get inside."

According to Hulse, the woman's passing serves as a reminder of the increasing demand for all-encompassing support networks for the local homeless population.

"Every life has immense value," he declared. "It's heartbreaking that this life was lost due to circumstances that could have been altered with more comprehensive support systems for homelessness in Ocean County, including a permanent shelter."

According to Hulse, the woman's passing serves as a reminder of the increasing demand for all-encompassing support networks for the local homeless population.