Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson announce that a warrant has been issued for Darneil Reeves, 32, with a last known address in Lakewood, on Murder and Weapons charges in connection with the death of Hassan Parker, 32, of South Toms River.

Parker was pronounced dead during the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Parker was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a utility pole on the corner of John Street and River Avenue in Lakewood at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Monday. Parker was the only occupant of the vehicle. While treating Parker, it was discovered that he had suffered a stab wound to his chest. The Ocean County Medical Examiner has since ruled that Parker died as a result of the stab wound.

Subsequent investigation revealed that Darneil Reeves inflicted the stab wound just minutes before Parker crashed his car into the utility pole. The wound was inflicted while Parker was seated in his vehicle in the parking lot of the Martin Luther King, Jr. apartment complex in Lakewood. The distance between the parking lot and the crash scene is less than a mile. Investigators believe that Parker was trying to drive himself to the hospital at the time of the crash.

Darneil Reeves has been charged with first degree murder, possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a knife. Bail has been set by the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P. at one (1) million dollars with no ten percent option . Murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a minimum mandatory penalty of 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts are asked to contact the Ocean County Major Crimes Unit at 732-929-2027 or the Lakewood Police Department at 732-363-0200. Please do not approach suspect if observed.

The public and the media are reminded that criminal charges are accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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