Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Jefferson Police Chief William Craig are seeking information from the public concerning a fatal incident that occurred on the early morning of September 19, on Route 15 in Jefferson.
At about 4 a.m., a passing motorist reported observing a person lying in the road on Route 15 North, near Edison Road in Jefferson. Police responded and found an injured male, later identified as Michael Adams, 24, of Jefferson, who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle.
It is believed that Michael was struck between 3-4 a.m. He was transported to St. Clare's Dover Campus and was later pronounced as deceased at the hospital.
Adams was a lifelong resident of Jefferson, a graduate of Pope John XXIII High School in Sparta, and attended Montclair State University. He was a driver for High Grade Beverage and a part-time cook at Mason Street Pub. He also served in the United States Army Reserves.
A joint investigation by Jefferson Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is currently ongoing. Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who may have knowledge of this incident and/or the circumstances leading to Michael Adams’ death.
The family of Michael Adams has offered a $20,0000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for his death.
Any person with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200 or the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-697-1300.
You can also reach out to the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at 973-267-2255 and/or http://morriscrimestoppers.org/. Information can be provided to CrimeStoppers anonymously.
Any media inquiries can be directed to Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Chief of Investigations Denise H. Arseneault at 973-285-6262 or darseneault@co.morris.nj.us