Crockam to be Sentenced Thursday for Lakewood Officer Murder

Jahmell Crockam, the man convicted of murdering Lakewood police Officer Cristopher Matlosz, will be sentenced at the Ocean County Courthouse on Thursday. 

After a nine-day trial in February, , a Manchester resident, during what started off as a routine stop on August Drive in Lakewood in January of 2011. The charges carry a sentence of mandatory life with no parole, said William J. Heisler, chief assistant Ocean County prosecutor.

Crockam will appear before Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels for the 9 a.m. sentencing, said Ann Marie Fleury, ombudsman for the Ocean Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey.

Members of Lakewood's law enforcement community are expected at the courthouse, according to a post on the township's PBA Facebook page.

"The Lakewood PBA Local No. 71 are asking our brothers and sisters in blue to come out to the Ocean County Courthouse in Toms River to show support for our fallen brother," the post reads. "Wear your PBA or police gear to help show your support!"

A request for comment from Matlosz' fiance, Kelly Walsifer, was not immediately returned. Following the verdict in January, Walsifer said in the courtyard of the Ocean County Justice Complex in Toms River that "it's a good day."

"That man," Walsifer said referring to Crockam, "ruined my life. Justice prevailed for Chris."

Walsifer said that the trial "was not an easy process" for her and members of Matlosz' family.

"It's been a difficult 13 months," she said. Though pleased with the verdict, she said that "it doesn't bring Chris back."