Authorities have confirmed the identity of a man found fatally shot inside a car in Howell, New Jersey, early Thursday morning. The victim, 36-year-old Rolando Acte Mejia, was discovered by police on White Street just after 6:40 a.m., prompting a swift and large-scale law enforcement response.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Mejia deceased inside his vehicle, the result of an apparent shooting. The seriousness of the situation led to a SWAT team being deployed to the area, adding to the tension and concern for residents nearby. The presence of heavily armed officers marked the urgency and potential threat investigators believed they were facing.
So far, authorities have not released information about a suspect or possible motive. What remains clear is that the investigation is active and being treated as a top priority. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau is now taking the lead on the case, working closely with the Howell Police Department to track down answers.
Officials are appealing to the public for help as they search for more details surrounding the shooting. They are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area during the early hours of Thursday to come forward. Even small pieces of information could prove crucial to the investigation.
Detective Kayla Santiago of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Detective Vincent Bonner of the Howell Police Department are the lead contacts for tips. Community members with information are encouraged to call 800-533-7443 or 732-938-4111.
The tragic death of Rolando Mejia has shaken the Howell community, leaving many questions unanswered. As detectives continue their search for justice, the focus remains on uncovering what happened during those dark early hours — and who was responsible for ending a man’s life in such a violent way.
