Justin J. Wilhelm
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 25-year-old JUSTIN J. WILHELM of Landing, NJ for homicide and weapon-related offenses in New Milford, NJ. These charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the New Milford Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Clancy.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, at approximately 2:58 a.m., the New Milford Police Department responded to 650 River Road in New Milford, NJ following a 9-1-1 call placed by JUSTIN J. WILHELM from that residence. Upon arrival, responding officers located WILHELM on the front steps of the home with suspected blood on both of his hands. Officers entered the residence to conduct a welfare check and located a deceased adult male on the second floor. The victim, later identified as 24-year-old Mateo Ocho-Gonzalez of New Milford, sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest and neck. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit was notified, responded to the scene, and initiated a joint investigation with the New Milford Police Department. The investigation revealed that JUSTIN J. WILHELM possessed narcotics and stabbed the victim multiple times while inside the residence.
As a result of the investigation, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, JUSTIN J. WILHELM was charged with first-degree murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; third-degree possession of narcotics, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d. WILHELM was transported to an area hospital for a medical evaluation and remains in police custody.
Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would like to thank the New Milford Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
