Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced today that Mary Carbone, 60, of Toms River, has pleaded guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter in connection with the death of Frank Stochel, 55, also of Toms River, in Manchester Township on February 24, 2020.
Carbone pleaded guilty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 13, 2024. The State will seek a term of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.
The investigation revealed that Carbone and Stochel resided together at the 6th Avenue residence in Manchester, where officers found Stochel’s lifeless body on February 24, 2020. The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, and further investigation identified Carbone as the responsible individual.
Prosecutor Billhimer stated that while Carbone initially faced a murder charge, proof issues arose during the investigation, leading to the guilty plea for Aggravated Manslaughter. The resolution was deemed just and reasonable after consulting with Stochel’s family, who approved of the outcome.
Carbone has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since her arrest on March 4, 2021.