The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says a door-to-door solicitor has been charged with murder following a stabbing in Jackson.

Michael Tsamas, 32, of Laurence Harbor, is charged with murder in the death of Joseph Delgardio, 44, in Jackson Township on May 26.

Tsamas was also charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, among other charges.

Officers responded around 6:15 p.m. Thursday to the area of West Veterans Highway and Conor Road in reference to a 911 call stating a male was lying in the roadway in a pool of blood. 

Officers found Delgardio with a severe wound to his neck.  At the time of the officers' arrival, Delgardio was already receiving first aid CPR. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and Delgardio was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation revealed Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis.  Tsamas knocked on Delgardio’s door in an attempt to solicit his business. Delgardio told Tsamas he was not interested, and Tsamas left Delgardio’s residence. 

A short time later, prosecutors say Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street and a physical altercation ensued. Tsamas removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed Delgardio in the neck, according to the prosecutor's office.

Tsamas was taken into custody without incident at the scene and is at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

A Verizon spokesperson tells News 12 they are aware of the incident and that Tsamas was employed by Credico, a third-party vendor.