HOWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Hundreds are expected to attend a wake for a slain New Jersey police officer Wednesday.

Family, friends and fellow officers will gather at a Howell Township funeral home to honor Lakewood Patrolman Christopher Matlosz.

Dozens of law enforcement officers were on hand Tuesday when the man accused of gunning down the 27-year-old made his first court appearance.

Jahmell Crockam was represented by a public defender, who said the 19-year-old will plead not guilty at his formal arraignment, which has not yet been scheduled.

Crockam remains held on more than $5 million bail.

Authorities said Crockam shot Matlosz three times at close range on Friday as the officer sat in his patrol car after Matlosz stopped to question Crockam.