UPDATE SUSPECT LOCATED:
JAMARI E. DORTCH
ROSSVILLE, MARYLAND
AGE: 28
On Saturday, May 17, 2025 members of the United States Marshall’s Service Capitol Area Regional Fugitive
Task Force located and arrested Dortch who was wanted in connection with the death of Hadiyah Peggins that
occurred on Friday, May 16, in the town of Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Dortch is currently lodged in the Prince
Georges County Maryland Department of Corrections awaiting extradition to Warren County, New Jersey. Upon
his return to New Jersey he will be lodged in the Warren County Correctional Facility pending a detention motion.
As a result of this investigation, Dortch is charged with the below listed crimes.
- Homicide, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(2), a crime of the first degree.
- Aggravated Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), a crime of the second degree.
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, a crime of the third degree.
- Endangering an Injured Victim, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.2a, a crime of the third degree.
Homicide carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Second degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of ten
(10) years and third degree crimes a maximum sentence of five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison.
The charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond
a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation was conducted by the Phillipsburg Police Department and the Warren County Prosecutor’s
Office. Assisting with the investigation were the Warren County Regional Crime Scene Team, Allentown, PA
Police Department, New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, and the Phillipsburg Housing Authority.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and Phillipsburg Police Department are asking anyone with information
to contact the non-emergency line at the Phillipsburg Police Department (908) 835-2019.
