No arrests in fight at church
BY LARRY HLAVENKA JR.
Staff Writer

HOWELL - As of Nov. 14, authorities had not made any arrests in connection with a July 29 fight that resulted in severe injuries to a 25-year-old man.

The fracas, which occurred during a battle of the bands competition that was being held at the Prince of Peace Luth-eran Church, Aldrich Road, resulted in Christopher Fiorica, of Marlboro, sustaining injuries to his head. Fiorica was transported to a hospital and eventually released.

Howell police Detective Eric Rice, who is investigating the case, said last week that although two suspects have been identified, the case has hit a few roadblocks. Of the suspects, Rice said, "they're not solid," since Fiorica could not immediately identify his assailants.

According to Rice, Fiorica's inability to identify his assailants coupled with the fact that many of the witnesses "have been less than actually cooperative" due to friendships with the assailants, "we're no further along [in the investigation] than we were two months ago."

Rice said the case was referred to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office about a month ago and has been "sitting on a desk."

Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Peter Warshaw said, "The matter remains under investigation and there won't be any comment beyond that."

According to police, more than 100 people attended the concert.

At the time of the incident, police said the event degenerated into chaos after words were exchanged among members of various bands. During the melee, Fiorica was knocked unconscious and a 21-year-old man sustained less serious injuries.

Police have said the show's promoter, Zachary Wetstein, 19, of Howell, would not be charged with any violations.