LONG BRANCH, NJ — What began as a warm, summer-like Thursday evening at Long Branch’s Pier Village ended in heartbreak and horror after an 18-year-old was fatally shot during a beachside altercation.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the victim as Chrystofer Whyte of North Brunswick. Authorities confirmed Whyte was pronounced dead at the scene after gunfire broke out near the shoreline just before 9 p.m.
Witnesses described the moment as sudden and terrifying.
“There were kids everywhere — families, music playing — and then it was just chaos,” said Lou Lifrieri, a longtime resident who was nearby when shots rang out. “This town was never like this. To see it come to this really breaks my heart.”
Another witness, Sandi DeDomenico, echoed the shock that has rippled through the community. “Pier Village is supposed to be safe — a place where you bring your children. I never imagined something like this happening on our beach.”
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials say the shooting stemmed from a fight that erupted on the sand, though they have not yet disclosed what sparked the violence. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and Long Branch Police Department are jointly leading the investigation.
As of Saturday evening, no arrests have been announced, and the search for a suspect remains active. Authorities have labeled the shooting an “isolated incident,” emphasizing that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted by contacting MCPO Detective Thomas Manzo at 800-533-7443 or Long Branch Police Detective Joseph Spitale at 732-222-1000 Ext. 1339.
A Young Life Cut Short
Chrystofer Whyte was just 18 years old. His name now joins a growing list of young people lost to gun violence in places once thought safe — boardwalks, beaches, and neighborhood parks.
As families returned to the sand on Friday morning, many paused near the scene, visibly shaken and deeply saddened. A small collection of candles and flowers began to gather nearby.
“He was someone’s son. Someone’s friend,” one woman quietly said. “This shouldn’t be the way anyone’s summer begins — with grief.”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
If you or someone you know is affected by this tragedy, resources for grief support are available through the Monmouth County Mental Health Services.