Governor, Police, Community and Family Mourn Slain Lakewood Police Officer

The long, slow, painful journey to lay Chris Matlosz to rest began Thursday as hundreds of police lined the streets of Lakewood and beyond, waiting to pay their last respects to the fallen officer.

Gov. Christie was among the thousands who packed inside the St. Mary of the Lake Roman Catholic Church in Lakewood, or crowded the streets outside, to watch the final march for the Howell High School graduate and Manchester resident.

More than 100 bagpipers and as many drummers played as Matlosz's casket was carried into the church between rows of saluting Lakewood officers.

Inside the church, an organ was playing and a singer sang "Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow me and I will give you rest" as the funeral procession moved up the church's center aisle.

The casket for Matlosz, who was shot and killed Friday while on duty, was placed in front of the altar at the start of the service as family and Lakewood police officers seated themselves in the front rows.

The Rev. David M. O'Connell, bishop of the Trenton Diocese, greeted the crowd, including the governor, then said opening prayers. He introduced the first reading by Dennis Dowden, who talked about how finding a "faithful friend" is a treasure.

Outside the church, SWAT teams carried guns close to their chest as they stood watch, awaiting the funeral procession honoring the officer. Officers from Toms River and elsewhere, however, played down the notion of gang retaliation.

The suspect, Jahmell Crockam, 19, is accused of killing Matlosz, a 27-year-old Lakewood police officer from Manchester who graduated from Howell High School in 2001.

Crockam plans to plead not guilty to the murder and weapons charges, said Frank Gonzales, a deputy public defender who is representing the suspect. He faces life in prison if convicted of murder, a court official said.

The killing was the second tragic event to hit the Matlosz family in six months. Matlosz's father, Anthony Peter "Buddy" Matlosz, died at 57 on Sept. 6 at home, according to an obituary that was published in the Asbury Park Press. The obituary was republished on Legacy.com.

The Legacy.com guest book included tributes from Chris Matlosz and his fiance, Kelly Walsifer of Manchester, who told Chris's father that she was "really excited for you to be my father-in-law."

Matlosz was pronounced dead at Jersey Shore Medical Center shortly before 5 p.m. Friday, said Marlene Lynch Ford, Ocean County prosecutor. Matlosz's fiance was at the hospital when he died, Ford said. He is survived by his brother and mother.

Matlosz was a member of the Lakewood Police department since 2006, according to Ford. He was formerly a police officer in Englishtown, and was a special officer in Long Branch, Manasquan and Freehold.

He received his associate degree from Brookdale Community College in 2004.

A viewing for Matlosz was held Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Lakewood Funeral Home, in Howell.

Crockam appeared in orange-and-white-striped prison garb Tuesday and said "yes" when asked by state Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels if he understood the charges against him.

Crockam faces murder and weapons charges that were filed against him while he was still at large between Friday night and 6:30 a.m. Sunday when he was arrested in Camden. The charges were filed after a police investigation established probable cause, authorities said.

He also faces a charge of possessing a firearm with the purpose of using it against another person in connection with allegedly shooting Matlosz, according to a copy of the signed complaint.

Bail will remain set at $5 million, which was set on Sunday, unless it's changed at a bail hearing in the future, Daniels said. No date has been set for any bail hearing or arraignment.

Police arrested Crockam at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at Crestbury Apartments in Camden, where Crockam sought refuge, according to Ford. Police had received a tip and went to the complex.

Ford had said gang involvement in the Friday afternoon shooting was still under investigation.

Crockam goes by the street name of "Sav," short for savage, Ford said.

Crockam is accused of shooting Matlosz after he had pulled his patrol car up alongside Crockam on August Drive on Friday afternoon. Police believe that Matlosz had begun to talk to Crockham when he allegedly shot him.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Lakewood Police Department at 732-363-0200 or the Ocean County Prosecutors Office at 732-929-2027, or dial 911.