North Carolina trucker suspect in New Jersey murder

The mayor of the small New Jersey town where a 38-year-old woman was found stabbed to death July 30, said he was told Friday by New Jersey State Police officers that her killer is a North Carolina trucker apprehended in Massachusetts for a home invasion involving a 15-year-old girl

“The State Police are confident that this is the guy who is wanted in our town,” said Mayor Mark Peck of Bloomsbury Borough, N.J.

New Jersey State Trooper William Legg said Hunterdon County, N.J. prosecutors and State Police were in Massachusetts talking to a suspect who they believe was involved in the Bloomsbury murder.

No one has officially identified Adam Leroy Lane, 42, of Jonesville, N.C., as a suspect in Monica Massaro’s murder, but Lane is currently being held in connection with the July 30 Chelmsford home invasion where a 15-year-old was allegedly assaulted by a man dressed in black wielding a knife.

On July 30, Massaro was found stabbed to death in her home in the small town located about 31 miles east of Allentown, Pa., along I-78.

“We were shocked. Crime doesn’t happen in Bloomsbury, we’re a small, rural community,” said Peck. “Before this murder people used to leave their doors unlocked; they don’t anymore.”

According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Hunterdon County, N.J. Prosecutor J. Patrick Barnes reportedly wanted to speak with Lane after learning the trucker was arrested for a home invasion in Chelmsford while on a trip through the Northeast that included passing through New Jersey.

New Jersey State Police officers also said they would analyze evidence found in Lane’s truck to see if there is a link to the Massaro murder.

Chelmsford Police arrested Lane in the early hours of July 30 at a Pine Hill Road residence.

The North Carolina resident has been charged with armed assault in a dwelling, threatening to commit a crime, larceny over $250, attempted murder, resisting arrest, kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon and assault to rape, according to the District Attorney’s office.

Middlesex County prosecutors believe Lane parked his truck on the I-495 north rest area and spent much of the evening of July 29 into the morning of July 30 prowling the streets of Chelmsford looking for female victims.