BREAKING: The Lakewood man missing for over three weeks, has been found dead, police confirm to TLS. The body of Mr. Ernest Gill Jr, 74, was located Wednesday morning in a vacant John Street apartment just across the street from his residence, police say, though they could not confirm his identity until now.
Captain Paul Daly tells TLS a maintenance employee for the apartment complex located the body after investigating the odor, and phoned police.
“It was obvious that he was there for quite some time,” Daly told TLS.
Daly says the apartment may have been broken into by squatters.
Lakewood Police and the County’s K9 units searched for Gill for days following his disappearance. He was last seen by family at about 10 PM on Monday, March 11.
Gill had suffered from advanced Dementia, and was believed to be off his medication since his disappearance, police said.
An autopsy indicated that Gill died of natural causes.
“Our hearts go out to the family during this very difficult moment,” said Mayor Albert Akerman. “I’d like to thank the Lakeowod Police, Sheriffs Department all the other officials who took part in the search.”
The Lakewood Detectives Bureau and the Ocean County’s Criminalistic Investigations Units conducted the investigation. [TLS-CBJ/TLS-CCP/Photo-TLS-60].
BDE – i hope his family can at least have some closure knowing they can give him a proper burial and start the grieving process.
he was found 2 days ago! why you reporting it now?
? – that’s because they make sure all the family has been notified before publishing this kind of story. How would you feel if you founf out your grandfather died in the newspaper.
So sad,read and prayed for him.thoughts n prayers to the family! R.I.P Mr grill
#2 you have no sense
Hey #2…Confucius says “He who opens his eyes and shuts his mouth can often answer his own questions
“The body of Mr. Ernest Gill Jr, 74, was located Wednesday morningpolice say, though they could not confirm his identity until now”
Our Hearts and Prayers Go Out Too His Family , God Bless Them !!
Thank you TLS for the information.
Guess the county dogs arent that good.
So sad …R.I.P. Mr Gill
nebach, he was so close to home. He must have mistaken that apartment that apartment for his. Why didn’t they search all the apartments in his building when they were looking for him.
that’s so sad. im glad he not in pain anymore. god bless his family in this time. 🙁 r.i.p mr gill
Did Lakewood Police Department do a proper investigation on this missing person case??? Wow three weeks and he was right across the street!!!! That K-9 need some more training if you ask me!!!
Very Sad to be reading this he was a great man and had a heart of gold I enjoyed are conversations,laughs,jokes we shared etc and I will miss you Mr. Gill my thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family
So Sad Because i knew him to