BREAKING: A 48-year-old man from Freehold Borough has been convicted of armed robbery and attempted sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman in a shocking incident at Thompson Grove Park in Manalapan. The jury delivered their verdict after a tense two-week trial, confirming that Anthony Burke’s violent actions have now placed him on a path to face 20 years to life in state prison.
On the night of August 14, 2023, at around 9:48 p.m., Burke forced his way into the victim’s vehicle, threatening her at gunpoint. Prosecutors revealed that he robbed her of her phone, keys, and cash while attempting to assault her. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape and seek help from a nearby residence, showing remarkable courage under extreme duress.
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago stated, “This conviction sends a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated.” Burke’s trial relied heavily on witness statements, a composite sketch, surveillance footage, and digital evidence, which ultimately linked him to the crime.
After the Manalapan incident, Burke was involved in a separate case in Freehold Township where he stole a cell phone from another victim while driving his pickup truck. Authorities arrested him shortly thereafter during a routine traffic stop in Freehold Borough. This pattern of criminal behavior contributed to the jury’s classification of Burke as a repeat violent offender.
Burke will be sentenced in May at Monmouth County Superior Court, where he faces the mandatory sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment. This case underscores the ongoing issues of violence and safety in local communities, sparking conversations about the need for increased protections for vulnerable individuals.
As the community processes this harrowing case, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for victims of crime. The urgent nature of this conviction highlights the necessity of justice and safety in our neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as local authorities continue to address the implications of Burke’s convictions and the broader impact on community safety.
