Tuckerton Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Love Triangle Shooting

A Tuckerton man was sentenced Monday to six years in state prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault in a shooting at a Little Egg Harbor Township boat dealership.

Donald Rutter, 53 confessed to shooting Thomas Jarvis, 55, at Jarvis Marine on January 5, 2021. Townsquare Media previously reported that Rutter blamed Jarvis, 55, for the breakup of his 18-year marriage.

Two weeks before the shooting, his wife told him that she "no longer wanted to be with him as a result of his drinking."

Rutter then moved into a camper on their property, according to an affidavit filed by investigators in Superior Court in Ocean County

Little Egg Harbor Township Police were called to Jarvis Marine on Radio Road at about 7:30 pm on Jan 5, 2021, and found Jarvis with a gunshot wound to his midsection.

He was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. He was treated for his injuries and eventually released from the hospital.

A search for Rutter lasted nearly a month. He was found living under the Atlantic City Boardwalk, authorities said at the time.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said Monday that Rutter was sentenced to six years for his guilty plea to aggravated assault.

In addition, Rutter was sentenced to 18 months in NJSP as a result of his guilty plea to Stalking. The sentences will run concurrently.

A permanent restraining order has also been placed on Rutter, banning him from having any contact with Jarvis.