NJ detective Monica Mosley was shot execution-style: prosecutor

A New Jersey prosecutor's detective killed during a violent home invasion last month was shot execution-style, prosecutors said.

Cumberland County Det. Sgt. Monica Mosley was getting ready for bed when a group of masked men burst into her Bridgeton home the night of October 15, just after 10 p.m., police said. She tried to fight off her attackers, firing off three shot with her service weapon, but they were able to overpower in the end.

Four people have since been charged with murder in connection with Mosley's slaying while a fifth has been accused of trying to cover up the grisly crime.

Nyshawn Mutcherson, 29, of Vineland; Jarred Brown, 31, of Bridgeton; Richard B. Hawkins Willis, 32, of Gloucester City; and Byron Thomas, 35, of Paulsboro; are each facing first-degree counts of murder and murder during the commission of a burglary, second-degree burglary, multiple weapons offenses, hindering and obstruction. A fifth suspect, Cyndia Pimentel, 38, of Paulsboro, was also charged with third-degree hindering an investigation, and fourth-degree counts of obstruction and tampering with evidence.

During a detention hearing on Thursday, Cape May County Assistant Prosecutor Saverio Carroccia described what Mosley's final moments must have been like.

"As she fought for her life, one of the suspects shot her in the knee knocking her to the ground," he said, per NJ 101.5.

"She continued to fight, and as she raised her hand to defend herself, she was shot in the wrist." Carroccia continued. "The bullet traveled down her arm. Even then, Mosley continued to fight her attackers. It was then, however, one of the suspects moved behind her and shot her in the back of the head.

He concluded: "Judge, I don't use this term lightly. That's called an execution."

The murder weapon has not yet been recovered and a motive for the deadly violence is also still unclear.