Woman Charged with Harboring Fugitive After Toms River Standoff

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Elizabeth Mascarelli, 29, of Seaside Heights, was charged with Harboring a Fugitive on July 6, 2024. On July 5, authorities located Maxwell Johnston, 35, at a residence in Toms River.

Johnston, wanted for the June 27 murder of Gabriella Caroleo, was found armed inside the house. After Mascarelli exited the residence following a standoff, Johnston was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Mascarelli had harbored Johnston for four days, knowing of his involvement in the murder, and was charged while at the hospital, then transferred to the Ocean County Jail.