A pleasant, summer-like Thursday night took a violent turn as witnesses say a fight broke out on the beach.
The victim from Thursday’s shooting has been identified as Chrystofer Whyte, 18, of North Brunswick. Whyte was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.
“This town was never like this," said Lou Lifrieri, who was there on Thursday. "To see my town come down to the point where there's shootings, it really upsets me."
Lifrieri said he heard gun shots out of nowhere and ran.
Sandi DeDomenic was shocked when the news broke. She said the area is an upscale and a family-friendly destination.
"Definitely was not anticipating something like this to happen right on our local beaches," said DeDomenico.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Bureau and the Long Branch Police Department are still actively investigating the shooting. Law enforcement officials have called this "an isolated incident" with no greater threat.
News 12 reached out to the prosecutor's office to ask about any suspect in custody, but haven’t heard back.
For anyone with information on the shooting, contact MCPO Detective Thomas Manzo at 800-533-7443 or Long Branch Police Detective Joseph Spitale at 732-222-1000 Ext. 1339.