In the quiet streets of Millville, New Jersey, a vibrant young life was cut short on the evening of August 15, 2025, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Cumberland County. At approximately 6:53 p.m., the bustling intersection of High and Oak Streets became the scene of a horrific crime, where 20-year-old Thomas Smith III was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite the swift response of Millville Police, the young man succumbed to his injuries shortly after their arrival, leaving behind a grieving family and a community demanding answers.

The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office has since launched a relentless pursuit of justice, identifying three suspects believed to be responsible for this heinous act. Jequise R. Forrest, a 19-year-old from Green Street in Millville, Alonzo E. Mincey, a 19-year-old from Laurel Street in Vineland, and Jerramiah J. Michael, a 19-year-old from Charles Street in Bridgeton, now face grave charges. Each has been accused of first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, and a slew of additional offenses that underscore the severity of their alleged actions.

The details of that fateful evening paint a chilling picture. According to authorities, the shooting was not a random act but a targeted attack, though the motive remains under investigation. When police arrived at the scene, they found Smith in critical condition, his life slipping away amidst the chaos. Despite efforts to save him, the young man was pronounced dead, marking a somber moment for all who knew him. The loss of Thomas Smith III, described by those close to him as a vibrant soul with a promising future, has left an indelible mark on the community.

Investigators moved quickly, piecing together evidence that pointed to Forrest, Mincey, and Michael as the perpetrators. These three young men, all just 19 years old, are now the focus of a manhunt as authorities work tirelessly to bring them into custody. The charges they face reflect the gravity of the crime: first-degree murder carries the weight of a life taken, while conspiracy to commit murder suggests a calculated plan that ended in tragedy. Additional charges, though not fully detailed by officials, hint at a complex web of criminal activity surrounding the incident.

As the investigation unfolds, the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office remains tight-lipped about specific details, emphasizing that the case is still developing. The community, meanwhile, grapples with grief and fear, with residents calling for justice and answers. Vigils have sprung up in Millville, where friends and family gather to honor Smith’s memory, sharing stories of his kindness and dreams for the future. The intersection of High and Oak Streets, once a place of everyday life, now stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of peace.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Jequise R. Forrest, Alonzo E. Mincey, or Jerramiah J. Michael to come forward. The suspects remain at large, and the public’s assistance is critical in ensuring they face the consequences of their alleged actions. For now, Millville holds its breath, united in mourning and resolve, as the search for these three fugitives continues and the quest for justice for Thomas Smith III presses on.