CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — A teen wrestler was acquitted in the death of a youth sports coach in South Jersey, according to NJ Advance Media.
Luke Humphrey, 18 of Collingswood, was found not guilty by a jury in Camden County Superior Court on Wednesday on one count of manslaughter and three other charges, including aggravated assault related to the 2024 death of Oron Beebe, 46 of Mount Ephraim.
“We are…disappointed that the outcome does not deliver justice for the Beebe family,” the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. “We will continue to support and pray for the family and friends of Oron C. Beebe.”
Humphrey, now at Delsea High School after beginning his career with Camden Catholic, wrestled in February amidst criticism surrounding his appearance due to his pending case.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, however, doesn’t have a standing policy prohibiting athletes from participating during such situations.
On March 23, 2024 at around 10:40 p.m., Mount Ephraim Police Department officers responded to the parking lot of the now-closed Walgreens for a report of a man who was unconscious, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Officers found Beebe lying on the ground with what looked to be a head injury.
He was taken to Cooper University Hospital where he later died at around 1 a.m. on March 31, 2024.
Detectives learned that Beebe had been punched in the face by Humphrey and had hit his head on the ground.
According to Humphrey’s father, Beebe threatened to “bury” his son, leading the younger Humphrey to strike him.
Humphrey was charged with second-degree aggravated assault on March 25, 2025 and taken into custody in Cherry Hill by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.
His charges were later upgraded to include second-degree manslaughter in Beebe’s death.
In his obituary, “Snook” is described as a family man who made everyone he had a beer with feel like part of his own.
Along with loving to watch his kids play sports, Beebe coached Bellmawr Hockey, Mt. Ephraim baseball, and the GC Brawlers.
“The impact he has left on our community will not be forgotten,” the Prosecutor’s Office added after the verdict was read on Wednesday.
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