June 25, 2008: A Morris County Grand Jury returned a four count indictment charging Jade Michele Ransom, age 20, of Allentown, Pennsylvania with:

One Count of First Degree Murder
One Count of Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes
One Count of Third Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
One Count of Third Degree Hindering Apprehension

The charges stem from a shooting incident which occurred in Dover on January 27, 2008.At approximately 10:28 pm, a 911 call was received by the Dover Police Department reporting a male subject who was laying on the ground in front of 59 East Blackwell Street in Dover. Upon the arrival of the Dover Police Department and Town of Dover Fire Department, they determined that the male subject had been shot and was deceased.

A lengthy investigation conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Dover Police Department determined that around 10:30pm on January 27, 2008, the victim, Jesus Dimas Rodriguez Marques was found dead on a sidewalk at 59 East Blackwell Street. After a search of the general area, Ransom was found hiding under a pickup truck in the parking lot of 75 East Blackwell Street. A five shot .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver was also located at the scene.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "I have previously applauded the efforts of all of the law enforcement agencies that collected the evidence that led to the defendant's swift arrest. I now applaud the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Detectives and Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, who have continued to prepare this matter and with great speed have brought this case before the Grand Jury. We look forward to bringing the defendant to justice in a court of law in as quick a fashion as is possible."

Ransom is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750,000.00 bail.

If convicted of all charges, Ransom faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately life with 85% parole ineligibility in New Jersey State Prison.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

This case is being handled by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Esq. Ransom is represented by, Alan Bowman, Esq., of Newark.

This matter is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200 or CrimeStoppers at 973-COP-CALL.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio