Manchester murder investigation leads to discovery of second victim; four people charged

The investigation into the death of a woman in Manchester Township last month led to the discovery of a second victim and the filing of charges against four people, according to the Ocean County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities say it all started with the investigation into the death of 25-year-old Gabriella Caroleo, which occurred at a Manchester Township home on June 27. The investigation led to 35-year-old Maxwell Johnston, who was accused in the fatal shooting.

35-year-old Maxwell Johnson was wanted for the murder of 25-year-old Gabriella Caroleo.

On July 3, a warrant was issued for Johnston’s arrest. Two days later, on July 5, Johnston committed suicide after a seven-hour standoff with police at a home on Ravenwood Drive in Toms River.

Officials say there were four other people in the house with Johnston during this standoff. They were identified as Danielle Bolstad, Jarred Palumbo, Jared Krysiak and Elizabeth Mascarelli. Officials say Bolstad, Palumbo and Krysiak left the house during the standoff, but Mascarelli remained in the house with Johnston.

Officials alleged that Mascarelli allowed Johnston to stay in the house for several days despite knowing he was wanted for murder. She was accused of harboring a fugitive felon.

Elizabeth Mascarelli – Courtesy of the Ocean County District Attorney’s Office

When police searched the Ravenwood home after the standoff, they found evidence of another murder, which led them to search a property on Toms River Road in Jackson Township. Officers say they discovered the remains of 56-year-old Kerry Rollason. The body was dismembered and parts of it were found in black bags. Officers say Rollason owned the home on Ravenwood Drive in Toms River.

Prosecutors say Johnston killed Rollason at the Ravenwood Drive home on July 3. They say Mascarelli, Bolstad and Krysiak, with help from Palumbo, helped dismember and dispose of the body.

All four face multiple charges.

According to official information, Krysiak is still at large and is considered a fugitive.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Denis Mitchell of the Ocean County District Attorney’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 2476 or Detective James Carey of the Toms River Township Police Department, 732-349-0150.