NJ Man Accused of Burning Woman, Leaving Her Stranded in Ocean County Woods

NJ Man Accused of Burning Woman, Leaving Her Stranded in Ocean County Woods

A Bergen County man has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated arson after authorities say he caused a woman to suffer burns and smoke inhalation before leaving her stranded in a wooded area of Ocean County.

Justin D. Martin, 36, of Saddle Brook, was arrested early Friday in Asbury Park following an investigation into the incident, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

Plumsted Township police and emergency medical personnel responded around 1:36 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, to a wooded area near Hawkin Road and Success Road after receiving a 911 call about a woman suffering from burn injuries.

Responders found the woman in distress and transported her to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia. She was listed in stable condition as of Friday afternoon.

According to investigators, Martin and the woman were together in the woods when Martin allegedly caused her to suffer burns and smoke inhalation. Authorities have not disclosed exactly how the woman was burned.

Investigators said Martin then fled the area in a vehicle, leaving the woman stranded in the woods.

Detectives eventually located Martin in Asbury Park. He was arrested at approximately 12:15 a.m. Friday and taken to the Ocean County Jail, where he remained pending a detention hearing.

The investigation involved the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Plumsted Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, along with law enforcement agencies from Asbury Park, Eatontown and Keansburg and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.

Martin faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated arson. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.