Man arrested for murder at Toms River Hookah Lounge

Ocean County Prosecutor’s announced the arrest of Eric Manzanares, 23, of Asbury Park, who has been charged with the murder of Nymere Tinsley, 25, of Brick Township.

Arrest in Toms River Hookah Lounge murder

Manzanares was apprehended by law enforcement in Prince William County in Virginia. He is lodged at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center in Manassas, Virginia, pending extradition to New Jersey.

On August 27, 2022, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Toms River police responded to the Top Tier Hookah Lounge located at 1769 Hooper Avenue for a report of gunshots having been fired.

Toms River Hookah Lounge shooting victims

Responding officers found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Nymere Tinsley suffered a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Nymere Tinsley, Photo Credit: Facebook

Two other victims were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.

Authorities identified the two other victims as Anthony Miller, 29, of Neptune Township, who suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach and was treated for his injuries and released; Jamal Bland, 24, of Asbury Park, who suffered a gunshot wound to his elbow and was likewise treated and released.

Thorough investigation

A collaborative investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Manzanares was responsible for the shooting of all three victims.

On August 27, 2022, Manzanares was officially charged with Murder, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.