Police closing in on killer of Jonelle Melton

Authorities say they have new leads in the brutal 2009 murder of Jonelle Melton that could lead to the arrest of her killer, and are encouraging those with information to come forward and possibly collect a $10,000 reward.

Jonelle Melton was found beaten to death inside of her Neptune, New Jersey, apartment in 2009. The 33-year-old had been preparing to move from Red Bank Middle School’s seventh grade classrooms to her new job as the school’s fifth grade teacher. But when she failed to show up to her job or answer phone calls, a family member went to her West Sylvania Avenue apartment, where her body was found.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office said in a statement Monday that it has developed new leads in the investigation and that they are confident the case will come to a close soon and her killer will be arrested. The office said that a $10,000 reward is still being offered for information in the case.

“Jonelle Melton deserves justice and those who knew and loved her deserve answers,” said Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Anyone with information is asked to call Monmouth County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-671-4400, or head to www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com and email a tip.