Seaside Heights, NJ, man may only get 3 years in prison for fatal assault

A Seaside Heights man has pleaded guilty in connection to a fatal assault last year and he may only spend a few years behind bars.

Anthony Collins of Seaside Heights, NJ, Pleads Guilty

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office says on Monday, 41-year-old Anthony Collins pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection to the death of 70-year-old Robert May of Seaside Heights.

At the time of his sentencing on August 9th, the State will be seeking a term of three years in state prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.

As for why the state is recommending a relatively short prison sentence, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said, "Certain proof problems in this case resulted in the State entering into a plea agreement with a recommended sentence that is below the normal sentencing range for manslaughter. The victim’s family recognizes and understands those issues, and is in support of this resolution."

It was on the afternoon of September 18th, 2023, when officers with the Seaside Heights Police Department responded to the area of Central and Sumner Avenues for a report of a fall victim.

At the scene, they found May lying on the ground next to his bicycle, bleeding from a cut on his head.

May was treated at the scene but refused further medical assistance; he left and went home.

About an hour later, police learned May was acting erratically and he was taken by ambulance to Community Medical Center in Toms River.

His condition continued to deteriorate and he was eventually transferred to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

On October 1st, May succumbed to his injuries.

An investigation by the Seaside Heights Police Department revealed that May was assaulted by an individual, which caused him to fall off his bike and strike his head on the pavement.

A continuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Seaside Heights Police Department determined that Collins was, in fact, the individual who assaulted Mr. May on September 18th, ultimately resulting in his death.

A warrant was issued for Collins' arrest on October 4th and he surrendered to police on October 15th.