For Immediate Release:
June 8, 2023

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the conviction of RANDY MANNING of Englewood, NJ for the murder of Rhian Stoute in Englewood, NJ on August 15, 2011. On June 7, 2023, following a six-week jury trial before the Honorable Gary N. Wilcox, J.S.C., in Bergen County Superior Court, MANNING was convicted of nine charges in relation to the murder of Stoute: first-degree murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a firearm, desecration of human remains, unlawful moving of human remains, arson, hindering apprehension by destroying or concealing evidence, hindering apprehension by giving false information to law enforcement, and unlawful taking of a means of conveyance.

At trial, the State presented evidence that on August 15, 2011, MANNING shot the victim to death in a vacant house in Englewood. He returned to the scene several hours later and set the victim’s body on fire. MANNING then hid the victim’s body in an SUV, drove the SUV to Paramus, NJ, and abandoned the vehicle on a quiet residential street. He discarded key pieces of evidence in sewers in both Paramus and Brooklyn, New York, that were subsequently discovered by law enforcement during the ensuing investigation.

The State was represented by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Grootenboer and Assistant Prosecutor Gary Donatello of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office with the assistance of Detective William Diedtrich, Appellate Section Chief Assistant Prosecutor William Miller, and Victim Advocates Susan Tanis and Michelle Churchill. The defendant was represented by Milagros Camacho, Esq.

Prosecutor Musella thanks Senior Assistant Prosecutor Grootenboer and Assistant Prosecutor Donatello for their zealous advocacy for the victim and his family and for helping to combat gun violence in Bergen County through this verdict. Prosecutor Musella also commends the detectives of his Major Crimes Unit as well as members of the Paramus Police Department, the Englewood Police Department, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their skill and professionalism in investigating this matter.

Additionally, Prosecutor Musella extends his sincere thanks to the many retired detectives who continued to answer the call of duty and returned to testify at trial.

The defendant faces a minimum of 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison at sentencing, which is scheduled for July 21, 2023, before Judge Wilcox.