Wildwood man charged with attempted murder in shooting of student on a visa

A Wildwood man who has served at least two prison terms is now charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a woman from Lithuania.

William Hoyle, 40, was arrested Thursday, two days after he allegedly fire a gun around 10:30 p.m. in the area of 3817 Pacific Ave., which is listed as the Cattle 'n Clover Irish Pub in Wildwood.

Vilte Gruzdyte, 20, was struck in the head, was in the country on a student visa. She was taken to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment.

An investigation by Wildwood police and the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office led to a warranted search with Cape May County Regional SWAT at a home in the 4700 block of Pacific Avenue the day after the shooting, authorities said.

Police recovered the clothing believed to be worn by the shooter, along with a 9mm handgun.

David Johnson, 45, was arrested for hindering apprehension, and released on a summons.

Hoyle was identified as the suspect who lives in the 200 block of East of Cresse Avenue.

He was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses, including possession of a weapon by a certain person due to prior convictions.

Hoyle served a four-year prison sentence from a 2009 cocaine arrest, court records show. He most recently served 365 days in prison for a 2022 in an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon case.

He turned himself in on the lastest charge Thursday, at the Camden County Police Department in Camden.

Detectives from the Wildwood Police Department and Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office traveled to Camden and took Hoyle into custody. 

He is now in the Cape May County jail awaiting a detention hearing.

A preliminary investigation found Vilte was not the intended target, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland said. Vilte is in critical condition on life support.

“This is a tragic incident, and we are all as a community praying for Vilte and her family," Sutherland said. "Our office is taking all measures to make sure justice is served in this matter."

He commended the cooperation and the intensive investigative efforts of all the detectives and law enforcement agencies who assisted Wildwood police, as well as members of our Victims Witness Unit who are providing support and assistance to Vilte’s family