Toms River Father Charged in 6-Year-Old's Death to be Tried in Ocean County

The Toms River father charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 6-year-old Brandon Holt will be tried in Ocean County, but prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Officer, Spokeswoman Haleigh Walz said on Tuesday morning, May 14.

No initial court date has been set for Anthony Senatore, 33, who was arrested in Bayville by detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Monday night.

Senatore was charged with five counts of second degree endangering the welfare of children and one count of third degree endangering the welfare of children, as well as a disorderly person's offense for enabling access by minors to a loaded firearm.

On April 8, Senatore's 4-year-old son gained access of a .22 caliber rifle in Senatore's bedroom while the two were playing. He fired a single shot, which struck Holt in the head. Holt was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he died the next day.

The New Jersey State Attorney General moved the case from Ocean County to Atlantic County to avoid any potential conflicts among law enforcement who may have ties to the case.

An investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office concluded that four other weapons were also unsecured in close proximity to the children, including: a Stevens 12-gauge shotgun, two Harrington & Richardson shotguns and a Remington 12-gauge shotgun.

Crimes of the second degree are punishable by 5-10 years in state prison, and third degree crimes are punishable by 3-5 years in state prison.