Significant developments emerge in cold case murder of popular Red Bank teacher

RED BANK (WABC) -- There have been significant developments in the cold case murder of a popular teacher in Red Bank.

33-year-old Jonelle Melton was found brutally beaten to death in 2009 inside her West Sylvania Avenue Apartment. A family member went to check on Melton when she did not respond to phone calls or show up at work.

Melton was a social studies teacher at Red Bank Middle School for eight years. Before her death, she was looking forward to moving from the seventh grade classrooms to a new job as the fifth grade teacher.

"This murder investigation will come to a close very soon due to new information that has recently been developed. Anyone with information should know that the clock is ticking and it's time to step forward and do the right thing, "said acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Investigators want the public to know that anyone who comes forward with information about the case can still possibly collect $10,000 in reward money.

Anyone with information about the crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-671-4400, which is a confidential telephone tip line; or they can text "MONMOUTH" plus their tip to 274637.