Man charged in ‘stoning’ death makes first court appearance

MAYS LANDING, N.J. >> An Atlantic City man who allegedly used stones to fatally beat another man and then left his body in a trash can appeared to be confused at times during his initial court appearance on Wednesday.

Thomas Green didn’t enter a plea during the hearing in Mays Landing. He faces murder and weapons charges in the death of 52-year-old city resident Ricky Ward, whose body was found Saturday morning.

Atlantic County prosecutors say the 64-yearold Green hit Ward in the head “multiple times” with the stones, but they haven’t disclosed a motive for the attack. Authorities believe the killing occurred Friday or early Saturday, but further details have not been disclosed.

Ward was pronounced dead at the scene. The subsequent investigation led to Green’s arrest about nine hours later.

During the hearing, Green twice made reference to someone named “Holyfield” and the second time asked where Holyfield was at, The Press of Atlantic City reported.

There also was some confusion over Green’s legal representation. Green initially indicated that he could not afford a lawyer and would need a public defender, so state Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury told him to fill out an application for representation. Green then said something about the United Nations before telling the judge he could hire an attorney.

Green faces a life sentence if convicted on the murder charge. He remains jailed on $1 million cash bail.