New Jersey man killed after woman pushes him from ledge for not getting drink: cops

A 61-year-old New Jersey woman is facing manslaughter charges after allegedly pushing a man off a porch ledge during a dispute over an alcoholic beverage, leading to his death weeks later, court records show.

Lisa D. Jones, of Wildwood, was charged on Thursday following the October 31 death of 70-year-old Edward F. Evans. Jones was initially arrested on October 7 and charged with aggravated assault and endangering an injured victim, according to Cape May County jail records.

According to a criminal complaint seen by NJ.com, the incident occurred on October 6 outside Jones’ residence on East Pine Avenue in Wildwood. Witnesses told investigators that Evans was sitting on the front porch ledge when he was pushed, falling six feet onto a concrete sidewalk.

Following the incident, Jones allegedly shouted, “You didn’t see anything, you didn’t see anything,” before running back into the house, as reported by NJ.com.

Evans was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, where medical staff determined he suffered a fractured skull and a brain bleed. He died from his injuries on October 31.

Court papers state that Jones initially told officers she was inside cooking when Evans fell. However, during a follow-up interview with investigators the following day, Jones allegedly admitted to pushing him off the ledge after he declined to get her a drink.

The nature of the relationship between Jones and Evans was not detailed in court filings, and no defense attorney was listed for Jones in public court records.

Evans, a Philadelphia native born to the late William F. Sr. and Birdie Smith Evans, worked as a commercial fisherman throughout Cape May County.

“Ed was an easygoing, fun-loving individual who was always available to help a friend or neighbor,” his obituary stated. “He was known throughout his neighborhood to be the local handyman.”

Evans was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William F. Evans Jr. He is survived by his brother, Thomas F. Evans; his caretaker, Vallynne Couillard; and a community of fellow fishermen.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for November 19 at the Parish of Notre Dame de la Mer, Church of St. Anne in Wildwood.