Candlelight Vigil Honors Slain N.J. Officer
LAKEWOOD, N.J. (CBS) -- With his patrol car and badge number proudly on display, hundreds huddled together in frigid temperatures to honor slain Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz.
"Chris may have been taken from us, but he will never be forgotten," said Lakewood Police Chief Robert Lawson.
The 27-year-old's fiancée Kelly Walsifer couldn't hold back the tears as those who knew Chris best spoke.
The couple was set to be married next year and Matlosz's fellow officer Edgardo Vega was going to be the best man.
He is still stunned by his best friends' execution style murder.
Police say it was 19-year-old Jahmell Crockham who shot Matlosz three times, early Friday evening.
"I picked up my phone, I was going to call him and say 'they caught the guy who shot you' and then it hit me he is really gone," Officer Vega said.
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Crockham was arrested Sunday morning at an apartment in Camden.
He had a warrant out for his arrest for possessing an illegal rifle and hollow point bullets.
"Our world came to a complete halt on Friday when a senseless act of violence ended the life of a man who meant so much to all of us," said President of the Lakewood Police Benevolent Association Gary Przewoznik.
Matlosz was remembered as a man who loved life and loved to laugh. He was known as a practical joker.
His fiancée, brother and mother did not speak publicly Monday night.
Christopher's funeral is set for Thursday.
Reported By Todd Quinones, CBS 3
