Mom Brutally Stabbed in Store, Alleged 'Papa Smurf' Mobster Arrested Top State News

Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Bed Bath & Beyond Stabbing

Tyrik S. Haynes, 19, of Middletown, is being held at the county jail on $1 million bail after being charged with first-degree attempted murder and weapons offenses by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. Haynes is accused of stabbing a Keansburg woman 12 times at the Middletown Bed, Bath and Beyond on Thursday.

Alleged Ramsey Mobster 'PapaSmurf' Accused of Running Trash Scam

A reputed local mobster known as "Papa Smurf" could face nearly two centuries in prison after he was charged Wednesday with conspiring to grab control of the waste management industry in New York and New Jersey. The mob-targeted federal sweep netted a dozen others.

Ramsey resident Carmine Franco, 77, is a known associate of the Genovese Crime Family, federal law enforcement officials said.

Two East Rutherford residents are facing carjacking and kidnapping charges for allegedly holding a 71-year-old woman at gunpoint at a Parsippany parking lot and then stuffing her in the trunk of her car.

House Approves $50.7 Billion Sandy Relief Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday night to approve a Hurricane Sandy relief package totaling $50.7 billion. Local lawmakers battled House Republicans for months, who claimed the relief aid was filled with government "pork."

Montclair State Reverses Student's Suspension Over Online Fat Jokes

Joseph Aziz, a 26-year-old student from Weehawken, was suspended by Montclair State University after posting YouTube videos in which he called a fellow student "fat." The university later reversed its ruling.

Newark Teen Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Shotgun at Police

A 17-year-old Newark youth was arrested Wednesday after he fired several rounds from a shotgun and aimed the weapon at a police officer, the Newark Police Department claimed. 

Deptford Firefighter Admits to Arson

A 23-year-old firefighter from Deptford, Michael S. Petrilak, pleaded guilty to setting a house on fire in January. He testified that he and co-defendant Lewis Brooks Jr., 20, used gasoline to set a vacant home on fire. The pair will make restitution payments.

Madison Boy Who Inspired Community Dies

Six-year-old Jake Harter, whose battle against an incurable disease inspired the Madison community, succumbed to connatal Pelizaeus-Merzbacher last week. The disease left Harter with limited mobility and few ways to communicate.