By T.S. EVANS

Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – In his first appearance in court Thursday, Dec. 13 to answer charges in the beating death of his 4-year-old son, Joseph Deneal II, 23, barely raised his head as he quietly addressed Superior Court Judge Albert Gandolfo.

Deneal, arrested Wednesday, Dec. 12, was led into the courtroom wearing orange prison garb with wrist and ankle chains by sheriff’s deputies.

Assistant prosecutor Murray Talasnik appeared for the state and read the charges. Deneal, of New Road in Somers Point, is charged with second-degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

Gandolfo asked Deneal if he understood why he was there and whether he needed an attorney.

Deneal mumbled that he didn’t know what went wrong, to which Gandolfo quickly responded, “Do not discuss this case. You have the right to an attorney.”

The judge advised Deneal of his rights and suggested that he fill out the necessary paperwork to have an attorney appointed. Bail remained at $250,000 full cash.

Talasnik said the case is pending while investigators gather evidence. Then prosecutors can determine whether the case will be presented to a grand jury. A date will be set for the accused to answer the charges after he has secured an attorney.

Several members of the victim’s family sat with a counselor and quickly left the courtroom at the end of the proceedings, refusing to speak to the media.

Deneal is accused in the Dec. 10 beating death of his son, who was referred to in court only as J.D. Police said the boy was rushed to Shore Memorial Hospital after Somers Point police responded to a call but were unable to resuscitate him. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to an autopsy performed by Atlantic County Medical Examiner Dr. Hydow Park, he died of multiple blunt-force trauma. The death was ruled a homicide.

Deneal, who had custody of the boy, was arrested after an investigation by Investigator Matthew Paley of the Crimes Against Children Unit and Detective Nelson Denan of the Somers Point Police Department.

J.D. was born July 25, 2003. His mother is Schvonne Eason of Egg Harbor Township.

Deneal is a resident of New Road in Somers Point. According to the New Jersey Department of Corrections website, he has two prior convictions for aggravated assault. He was sentenced to four years in prison in July 2004 and 80 days in prison in September 2006. He has also gone by the name Joseph Dunson.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes at (609) 909-7666. Information can be called in anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (609) 652-1234 or (800) 658-8477 (TIPS).