Missing NJ man was killed and his body dumped in Jersey Shore park

What had been a search for a missing Brick man has become a search for his killer.

The body of 29-year-old Trupal Patel, a convicted drug dealer out on probation, was discovered Wednesday morning by a Monmouth County Park Ranger.

The parks worker was picking up litter at the Shark River Park in Wall when he noticed the body on a slope off Gully Road.

Patel had been reported missing on Feb. 9 by a friend who reported his disappearance to the Asbury Park police.

Patel's car was found that same day on a city street, a 15-minute drive from where his body was found almost two weeks later.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office believes this is an "isolated incident" and that there are "no ongoing and active threats."

Patel was arrested last year along with two others after police said they found 4.6 pounds of marijuana, more than an ounce of mushrooms and $61,000 cash in their Brick and Point Pleasant homes. Patel pleaded guilty to a third-degree drug charge and was sentenced in November, according to court records.

Anyone with information can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-671-4400 or text the word MONMOUTH and the information to 274637.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.