Authorities in Ocean County say a man has been indicted on numerous charges, including aggravated manslaughter, for fatally stabbing a man in the neck last May.

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33-year-old Michael Tsamas of Laurence Harbor is facing aggravated manslaughter, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon charges.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office says,

On May 26, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of West Veterans Highway and Conor Road in reference to a 911 call stating that a male was lying in the roadway in a pool of blood. Responding Officers found Joseph Delgardio, 44, of Jackson Township, with a severe wound to his neck. At the time of the Officers arrival, Mr. Delgardio was already receiving first aid CPR from Fire Department personnel. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Mr. Delgardio was pronounced deceased at the scene.

According to officials, an investigation revealed,

  • Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis.
  • Tsamas knocked on Delgardio’s door in an attempt to solicit his business.
  • Delgardio told Tsamas that he was not interested and Tsamas left Delgardio’s residence.
  • A short time later, Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a physical altercation ensued.
  • During the altercation, Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Delgardio in the neck.

Tsamas was taken into custody without incident, taken to the Ocean County Jail, and then released as a consequence of New Jersey bail reform guidelines.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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