Missing 14-Year-Old: Community Joins Efforts to Locate Jayonni
January 13, 2025NJ Weather Update: Prepare for Cold Conditions Arriving Tonight
January 13, 2025
Missing Toms River Man Found Dead: Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are actively pursuing an investigation into the death of a Toms River resident, whose family has appealed to the public for assistance in locating him over the weekend.
Deane E. LaBranche, aged 52, was formally reported missing on January 11, as stated by Toms River police on Monday. His remains were discovered at approximately 2:35 p.m. on Sunday in the marshland of
Shelter Cove Park, according to
police reports.LaBranche's sister, Brooke Spurlock, stated that the police had informed the family a week prior that his vehicle had been located at Shelter Cove, but there was no indication of his whereabouts.
She expressed this in a
Facebook post appealing for the public's assistance in locating him.
An update was shared by Spurlock on Sunday evening, confirming the discovery of his body.
"It is with profound sorrow that I report the passing of my brother Dino, whose body was located today," she stated. "I extend my gratitude to all who participated in the search efforts. I can only hope he was aware of the extent to which people cared and how his community united in the endeavor to find him."
On Sunday morning, Spurlock also updated the post with information that police said LaBranche had last been seen Jan. 3 at Motel 6 with a woman whose identity was not known.
Detective Jesse Robertazzi of the
Toms River Police Department and Detective Alex Bromley of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit are investigating. Anyone with information can reach Robertazzi at
732-349-0150 or Bromley at
732-929-2027, ext. 3271.
