Red Bank Antique Center A. H. Fisher Diamonds Red Bank Prowns Home Improvements
Two River Theater Company Red Bank

PRESS: RBMS TEACHER’S DEATH ‘SUSPICIOUS’

just_inA 33-year-old Red Bank Middle School social studies teacher was found dead in her Neptune City apartment this morning, and investigators are treating the matter as suspicious, the Asbury Park Press reports.

The newspaper says little information about the death of Jonelle E. Melton has been released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office, pending the completion of an autopsy.

From the Press:

Melton worked for eight years at the middle school, most recently as a fifth-grade social studies teacher, said Red Bank Schools Superintendent Laura Morana. Counseling services will be made available to students and staff tomorrow, she said.

“We’re all very saddened by this tragic news,” Morana said.

Also:

At the scene, authorities cordoned off several areas throughout the complex, including multiple garbage bins where plastic suit-clad investigators picked through refuse throughout the morning.

Sources familiar with the investigation said Melton lived alone at the apartment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Daniel Baldwin of the Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 or Neptune City police at 732-775-1615.

Posted on September 14, 2009 at 5:16 pm, filed under Children, Education, Law & Justice, Security and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed. Email this story.
Dublin House Red Bank

  • Ms. Melton was a blessing to the children of Red Bank. I feel privileged to have worked with her. Due to her hard upbringing in Trenton, she had a special gift of being able to connect to her students. Ms. Melton’s lessons to her students as well as to me will surely be missed.

    Posted by: William J Pelly on September 14, 2009 at 6:25 pm | Permalink

  • ill miss u Ms. Melton u were the greates teacher I ever had

    Posted by: Jess Santamaria on September 14, 2009 at 6:53 pm | Permalink

  • Ms. Melton I apologize for being ungrateful for having you as a social studies teacger, but this just proves that you never know if you’ll live tomorrow, but live up in a positive way we miss you and love you and we know your in a better place now

    Posted by: Aje on September 14, 2009 at 10:02 pm | Permalink

  • bye Ms. Melton.. I know I never had you really in class but I know you were a great teacher to your students. I was so disappointed when we couldn’t have you as our teacher. I’m glad you are in a better place now, though.
    R.I.P.

    Posted by: sofia on September 14, 2009 at 10:20 pm | Permalink

  • you will be miss mrs.melton..i love you and i miss you very much..i kno you will be there to see us graduate as the class of 2010 its really crazy how it happened but i love you and who ever or wat ever did this to will pay there time will come..i kno you lookin down on all your family&friends&and student we love you mrs.melton and i hope u never forget that…i hope to see you in heaven but until we meet again i love you and i hope when i walk up to the gate of heaven i see you sitting on gods righthand side your the best social studes ANGEL i kno i hope you kno that even though we had or problams i never hated you its hard for me to come to school and not see or hear you but you will ALWAY and FOREVER be in my heart..R.I.P! jonelle e. melton TRUST andBELIVE you will NEVER be forgotton
    -love melissa williams your student <3

    Posted by: melissa on September 14, 2009 at 10:22 pm | Permalink

  • you’re smile could light up a room and you could honestly make anyone laugh no matter what the situation. you made my 8th grade year so amazing and you’ve done so much for the school and i know for a fact you brought so much happiness into peoples lives. i miss you and i will be always <33
    - love elyse

    Posted by: elyse on September 14, 2009 at 10:33 pm | Permalink

  • Ms. Melton meant sooo much to all that knew her. there was never a down time if you were around her. She loved the Lord and he has called her home b/c she fulfilled all her duties on this earth. Just remember God makes no mistakes nd it was her time. God Bless to all..im keeping everyone in prayer.

    -love; Marrisa

    Posted by: Marrisa D. on September 14, 2009 at 10:47 pm | Permalink

  • Mrs.Melton you were such an amazing person, i’m so grateful for the time i had with you in 7th and 8th grade. I will always keep what i’ve learned from you for the rest of my life. You were not only a great teacher but a great friend to many students and staff that’s what made you so unique. You had a great way of living life “Do you” was your famous quote, and now that your gone that’ll be something i’ll remember and live by for the rest of my life.
    - Anthony w.

    Posted by: Anthony on September 14, 2009 at 10:47 pm | Permalink

  • From one of your students who turned out alright. I will always miss you and will never meet another teacher that touched my heart the way you did. You were an amazing person who could tell it like it is and was never afraid to be yourself. Never will i forget you and i will never forget the way you changed my life. Much Love, Ratann

    Posted by: Ratann on September 14, 2009 at 10:48 pm | Permalink

  • kids. stop.

    Posted by: Angelo on September 14, 2009 at 10:56 pm | Permalink

  • Ms.Melton You kept me alive my eighth grade year. You kept me living through all the bullshit that went on around us. You could explain things to me when no one else could. Whenever i was causing trouble or being a smart ass you would always put in a good word for me explaining to the staff that i was different and you could understand that when they couldn’t. You were one of the very few teachers on the third floor that could help me no matter what the circumstances. I love you and you will never be forgotten.

    Posted by: Shane on September 14, 2009 at 11:08 pm | Permalink

  • Ms.Melton we the class of 09….Love you so much….WE will miss you…you r gone but never forgotten….ur in my heart foreverrrr…When i hurd the news i couldnt believe it…That one tear going down my face showed it all….Ur the one who got me through middle school and i thank you for that…..U MAde Me strong….U made me realize what life is worth….I LOVE YOU SOO MUCHHH MS.MELTON…..Your Ex student Brittney H.

    Posted by: Babyblue on September 14, 2009 at 11:11 pm | Permalink

  • JONELLE WAS MY FRIEND WE WENT TO HS SCHOOL TOGETHER. SHE WAS A CHEERFUL AND SWEET PERSON ALL THE YEARS I HAVE KNOWN HER. I WILL MISS HER POSTS AND PICS ON FACEBOOK DAILY. NO ONE DESERVES TO DIE SO YOUNG SO WE MUST TREASURE EACH OTHER EVERYDAY WE ARE HERE!

    Posted by: ADRIA SUMTER on September 15, 2009 at 8:47 am | Permalink

  • This woman made a HUGE impact on my sons life. When I got the phone call from the school I was in disbelief. I had to tell my son his father died when he was six and to relay this news was almost as hard, he loved her THAT much. She was a great teacher and a great person. This is a devestating loss to the Red Bank Public School system and to the world in general. She will be truly missed.

    Posted by: catherine conroy on September 15, 2009 at 12:21 pm | Permalink

  • i was a student of ms.melton’s last year in social studies. She was one of the best teachers who will truly be missed. I can’t believe it because I just saw her on Friday and we were talking about how she was gona be coming with us on our 8th grade trip. Even though she may not be like person to person with us she is still here in spirit. She will always be watching down on her family friends and her kids a.k.a her students. She changed my life for the better and was always there for her students when we needed her. She will be so proud when we walk across that stage on our graduation day. So there you have it she was a wonderful person and will never be forgotton. I will miss you Ms.Melton. Rest in Peace and i will always know that you are up there watching down on us!

    Posted by: Kyleigh on September 15, 2009 at 3:40 pm | Permalink

  • I was her first class when she first came to RBMS. I remember this first day this little 5 foot nothing woman came walking in talking load about how she wasn’t gonna take no mess we are hear to learn and leave the drama out there. But she quickly changed that theory becoming more like a friend than a teacher. Momma C as we called her was our mentor .. we could talk to her about anything. I shared with her things like my first kiss my first boyfriend before i even told my mother. even after graduation I’d go back to the middle school to talk with her. I just her about 3 weeks ago and she was helping me with college and giving me information and telling me that she know’s I’ll make it and do great things If i just try..I won’t let her down I will dedicate myself and my education to her and strive to be like her or better than her as she would say.. I love you momma C gone but never forgotten.

    Posted by: Gabrielle on September 15, 2009 at 3:57 pm | Permalink

  • Ms melton i loved u and u where one of my favorite teachers , once i heard the new my eyes started to tear i hear i could not believe it it all went by to fast, all the times we spent to gather will never be forgotten

    Posted by: ben on September 15, 2009 at 10:33 pm | Permalink

  • Mrs. Melton u were the best! I never had u as my teacher but as a cheerleadin coach yea! U were funny and alwayz made us feel better then ever! I will alwayz remember u n never 4 get u! WE will b thinkin about u in good or bad! I know u are in a better place now. I LOVED U!! n i hope u RIP!!! in are hearts FOREVER!!!!

    Posted by: Brenda E. on September 16, 2009 at 4:22 pm | Permalink

  • mrs. melton <3 r.i.p youu were the best social studiess teacherr ever! we all lovee and miss youu soo muchh! youu aree our angel abovee and we know that youu aree lookingg down on us now. we lovee youu so muchh! r.i.p <3

    Posted by: ivelka farro on September 18, 2009 at 4:20 pm | Permalink

    • Click teeth to read "comments on comments" file. Click GIF file to enlarge.

  • recent comments:

    • 03.17 - Gala Fundraiser at MCM On March 27, Red Bank's Monmouth Conservatory of Music hosts a benefit event featuring DUO PETROF, with Zatin Anatoly and Vassilieva Vlada performing on dual grand pianos; a silent auction and wine/ hors d'oeuvre reception are also included.
    • 03.17 - St. Patrick's Day at The Dockside Primitive Soul provides the tunes, with grub/grog specials and more green themed sounds starting at 4pm.
    • 03.17 - Open Auditions for Red Bank Street Life Red Bank River Center is inviting talented adults and teenagers (16 years and older) to audition for this summer’s sidewalk performance series on Wednesday, March 31 at the Count Basie Theatre Rehearsal Studio, 99 Monmouth Street (2nd Floor) from 6—8pm. RiverCenter is seeking musicians and entertainers, such as mimes, clowns, magicians, jugglers, etc. to participate in the program. Each performer is asked to bring 3—to—4 minutes of prepared material highlighting his or her skills, a biography and references, if available.
    • 03.17 - HEAD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION at RB Library On April 7, The Red Bank Public Library hosts a presentation on living successfully with diabetes for the Spanish speaking community, presented by Merck & Co. Inc. Registration suggested; call 1.877.532.4545.
    • 03.17 - Alpha Omega Wine Dinner Branches in West Long Branch hosts internationally recognized Jean Hoefliger in an Alpha Omega wine tasting event. $$89 includes five course seated dinner with selected top rated Napa wines at 7:30pm. Call for reservations.
    • 03.17 - Movie at the Guild: GOYA'S GHOSTS The Guild of Creative Art hosts a screening of Milos Forman's 2006 film, with Javier Bardem as painter Francisco Goya, and Natalie Portman his muse.
    • 03.17 - UNDERSTANDING MEMORY LOSS at RB Library On April 21, The Red Bank Public Library hosts a presentation by the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Registration suggested; call 973.586.4300.
    • 03.17 - Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival Opening Reception All members of the public are invited to this kickoff reception for the annual celebration of young local artists, co—presented by the Monmouth County Arts Council and Brookdale Community College. More than 500 works of art will be on display at the school's Center for Visual Arts; refreshments will be served, and entertainment includes music, film and spoken word performance by participating artists. RSVP to lm@monmoutharts.org.
    • 03.18 - HAMMETT The 1983 mystery film — a fanciful detective story with Fredric Forrest as the real life author Dashiell Hammett —screens for free at the Monmouth County Library's Eastern Branch, with showings at 2 and 7pm.
    • 03.18 - Red Bank Documentary Film Series Film critic Joan Ellis is your host as The Atrium at Navesink Harbor (that's the elegant hi—rise senior residence on Riverside Avenue) continues a free monthly series of doc screenings and discussions, with popcorn and candy on the house. Tonight it's the 1984 film THE GOOD FIGHT, a portrait of The Abraham Lincoln Brigade and the American volunteer force's struggle against the Fascists during the Spanish Civil War. Reserve by phone for all events.
    • 03.18 - The authors of THREE BROWN EYED GIRLS As part of Women's History Month, The Red Bank Library hosts an appearance by authors Rosemary Calabretta, Rosaleen Rooney Myers and V.G. Wells, with a presentation on 'how three women from different backgrounds met, bonded, told their stories to one another, and decided to take the leap and publish their book.' Also featured will be a book signing, and a panel discussion on 'work. family, the writing process, self publishing and more.'
    • 03.18 - CINDERELLA The students of Red Bank Regional High School (including Governors Award winning vocalist Michael Anderson as Prince Charming) present the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical of the classic fairy tale, with a cast of child performers as Cinderella's animal friends, and the tile role shared by Marie Ferguson and Patricia Blair.
    • 03.18 - Two River Tour de Yoga concert The band Wah! presents a concert at Rumson Presbyterian Church as part of the Two River Tour de Yoga (a promotion that includes Blue Moon Yoga of Shrewsbury, Brahma Yoga Spa of Sea Bright, Dancing Foot Yoga of Red Bank, Fair Haven Yoga and Synergy Yoga of Fair Haven). Promotion runs four days between March 17 and 20; tix and details available at any of the participating studios or at blueyoga.net.
    • 03.18 - Rock N Roll Karaoke (upstairs) The band from NYC's Arlene's Grocery hosts this popular weekly feature, in which civilian hopefuls can front a hard—rocking combo on any of a couple hundred classic rock favorites.
    • 03.18 - Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival More than 500 works of art by area teens will be on display at the Brookdale Community College Center for Visual Arts during the annual celebration of young local artists, co—presented by the Monmouth County Arts Council and BCC.
    • 03.19 - Girls' Night Out at Sickles Market The Little Silver landmark presents a 'Step Into Spring' event with fashion and beauty tips, healthy/delicious food tastings, gardening hints, champagne, live jazz and more. A portion of proceeds benefit the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center. 21 and over; ID required.
    • 03.19 - Family Wii Games at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts an encore session of Wii games for the whole family, in the Community Room of the main branch. Registration required; adults must be accompanied by children ages six and up.
    • 03.19 - CINDERELLA The students of Red Bank Regional High School (including Governors Award winning vocalist Michael Anderson as Prince Charming) present the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical of the classic fairy tale, with a cast of child performers as Cinderella's animal friends, and the tile role shared by Marie Ferguson and Patricia Blair.
    • 03.19 - Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival More than 500 works of art by area teens will be on display at the Brookdale Community College Center for Visual Arts during the annual celebration of young local artists, co—presented by the Monmouth County Arts Council and BCC.
    • 03.20 - Gala Fundraiser at MCM On March 27, Red Bank's Monmouth Conservatory of Music hosts a benefit event featuring DUO PETROF, with Zatin Anatoly and Vassilieva Vlada performing on dual grand pianos; a silent auction and wine/ hors d'oeuvre reception are also included.
    • 03.20 - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny On March 27, Branches Catering presents a very special breakfast with the Big Bunny featuring a sumptuous morning repast as only John Lombardo and crew could conjure it. There's a candy table and complimentary photo for kids, plus a pancake station, omelet bar and more. Reservations are a must, with kids 2 and under admitted free.
    • 03.20 - Districts 1 & 9 Get Together Red Bank Council leaders Juanita Lewis and Ed Zipprich visit Frank Talk Art Bistro for a lively roundtable discussion with continental breakfast — and you're invited to join in for this informal forum about your community.
    • 03.20 - Choo—Choo Soul with Genevieve Straight outta Playhouse Disney, the Parents Choice Award winning duo of Genevieve Goings (as the Train Conductor) and DC Abramson (as 'her beatboxing and breakdancing engineer') put a soulful, animated spin on the ABCs and 123s of music.
    • 03.20 - Paper Moon Puppet Theater Master puppeteer Jim Racioppi and crew present CINDERELLA, the latest in their long running series of Paper Moon marionette shows for family audiences. One of the Shore's best kept secrets, these productions (on the custom scaled mini stage at First Avenue Playhouse in Atlantic Highlands) combine handmade figures and scenery with genuine theatrical artistry for a rare experience that's capped by the 'backstage tour' following the show.
    • 03.20 - CINDERELLA The students of Red Bank Regional High School (including Governors Award winning vocalist Michael Anderson as Prince Charming) present the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical of the classic fairy tale, with a cast of child performers as Cinderella's animal friends, and the tile role shared by Marie Ferguson and Patricia Blair. Shows at 2pm and 7:30pm, with a special Dinner/Show package available at 6pm.