ATLANTIC CITY — An Atlantic City man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a 17-year-old cold case involving the 2009 shooting death of another city resident, authorities announced Thursday.
Billie Woods, 44, of Atlantic City, was taken into custody Thursday by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from Atlantic City police.
Woods is charged with first-degree murder in the death of David Nesbitt, 32, of Atlantic City, who was shot multiple times in June 2009.
Following his arrest, Woods was processed at the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Deadly Shooting Dates Back to 2009
The case began shortly after midnight on June 3, 2009, when Atlantic City police received reports of a shooting near 227 N. South Carolina Ave.
Officers responded at approximately 12:30 a.m.
An investigation by Atlantic City police and the Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit determined that Nesbitt had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead.
The killing remained unsolved for years.
According to the Prosecutor's Office, Major Crimes Unit detectives returned to the case over the past several months, reexamining the investigation and evidence collected in connection with Nesbitt's death.
Authorities said that renewed investigation ultimately led investigators to determine there was probable cause to charge Woods with the killing.
The Prosecutor's Office did not disclose what evidence led to the development or whether investigators uncovered new evidence as part of the cold-case review.
Grand Jury Indicted Woods in July
Although Woods was arrested Thursday, the murder charge had already been presented to an Atlantic County grand jury.
On July 14, the grand jury indicted Woods on one count of first-degree murder, according to prosecutors.
He was taken into custody in Atlantic City nearly a month later.
The arrest involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Atlantic City Division of the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and Atlantic City Police Department.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information about Nesbitt's killing or other serious crimes can contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7666. Anonymous information can also be submitted through the Prosecutor's Office tip system.
The murder charge against Woods is an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
