Introduction
This blog is a tracking of the murder case of Brittney Gregory by Jack Fuller Jr. for those looking for information.
I had planned to cover the facts as they unfolded, piece together as much of the press and information as I can, since many of the sources of information are
either poorly linked, or disappear to archives (some paid).
At some point I still hope to get some, interviews with some of the players in this case,as well as Brittney's family and friends. I have opted not to even try up until now as I felt there were other places their attention needed to be focused.
While I tried to remain unbiased, once Fuller admitted to killing Brittney, it became impossible for me as a father of a young girl to be COMPLETELY "fair and balanced".
But despite that, all information that I uncover will be found here.
Please feel free to comment, but remain civil. (especially towards each other).
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Body Found in Woods Believed That of Missing Girl
(originally published by WABC 7 New York July 27, 2004)
(Toms River-WABC, July 27, 2004) — She was missing for more than two weeks, and cops were so certain she'd been murdered they've already charged a family friend with the crime.
But finally, police believe they have found the body of 16-year-old Brittney Gregory.
Jen Maxfield is in Toms River with details.
The body believed to be that of the 16-year-old honor student was found buried in a shallow grave, in a remote and wooded area off of Ridge Avenue in Lakewood. Investigators had been searching the area for more than a week, based on reports that murder suspect Jack Fuller used to camp out in the vicinity.
Nothing in that grave gave any clues as to how Brittney may have been killed. An autopsy scheduled for Tuesday night is expected to confirm that the body is that of Brittney Gregory.
Thomas Kelaher, Ocean County Prosecutor: "It was underneath a power line and near a dirt road. So it was probably a convenient place for him to do what he did."
More than 100 people a day had searched the heavily forested area on the Monmouth/Ocean County border. Brittney's grave site was discovered on Tuesday morning by three New Jersey K-9 officers who had brought their dogs to the search sites on their days off to help.
Joseph Nicholas, NJ Corrections Officer: "If the man was off the clock he would have been here anyway. That's how much it bothered us."
Thomas Kelaher: "It's a mix of sand, and dirt, and weeds, and scrub, and so if it wasn't for the dogs we may not have been able to discover it."
Brittney Gregory was last heard from on July 11 when she told her parents she needed a ride to her boyfriend's house. Prosecutors say they have a witness that saw Brittney in Jack Fuller's car on the night she disappeared. He was no stranger to her -- Fuller's daughter is Brittney's sister's best friend.
Fuller was charged with first-degree murder eight days ago, before Brittney's body was found. He did not assist police in the search.
Thomas Kelaher: "It's a massive undertaking, and we just relied on what we thought would be good common sense. Now, he could have gone 10 miles away, he could have gone 15 miles away, all of those things could have happened. He didn't."
Friends of her family, who had long been braced for this, were resigned. But sought what comforting thoughts they could.
Denette Oryniak, Family Friend: "Dead, but -- now she can be put to rest. She's an angel now."
