Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. MyCentralJersey.com seeks public records in Sayreville councilwoman's killing, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Jay has been a guest on Americas Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion. Officers were dispatched to the facility on a 911 call, the Franklin Township Police Department said in a news release. In addition to working as a server at the Lake House restaurant in Franklin Township, Stuart wanted to pursue a career as an electrician, Guzman said. At a memorial held in her honor this week, Sayreville Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick praised her former colleague and friend as a figure who "broke through that glass ceiling" and "confidently, with class and dignity, walked proudly to her seat on the dais in her signature sparkling high heels." Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. There's another scene about a mile away at the Somerset Patriots baseball stadium parking lot. February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. WebFRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ Officials added a murder charge against a Marine Corps reservist accused of fatally shooting another man in the forehead outside a Franklin SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Hampden District Attorneys Office has released new information into an officer-involved shooting in Springfield last weekend that left a 48-year-old man dead. Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted. ", In a statement to NBC New York, PSE&G said "We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G. Call-In:(908) 852-1234. Phil Murphy also released a statement after the shooting: "Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE &G facility in Franklin Township. Download here. Dwumfour sustained multiple gunshot wounds in her SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The alleged motive was determined to be "prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor," the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said in an update on Friday. He was brutally honest and he was always the life of the party, making people laugh, cracking jokes all the time.. Authorities investigate alleged shooting in Somerset County. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. / CBS New York. Prosecutors did not provide details on the nature of that dispute. The shooting was reported about 10:40 p.m. Sunday in the 3800 block of Franklin Avenue near Magnolia Avenue, Fullerton police Lt. Tony Rios said. Police suspect it was a gang At least 12 more people were shot in the melee on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township around 11:50 p.m. Saturday. Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, according to reports. Gilliano allegedly told Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns.. 'We can't rest in peace': Franklin man's 2014 antifreeze-poisoning death remains a mystery. The killing comes one week after the slaying of Dwumfour, who was found dead in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. This was the second councilperson to die by gun violence within a week in the Garden State. Franklin Township Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater parking lot. Sources tell CBS2 this was a homicide and one man is dead. Russell Heller, a 51-year-old senior distribution supervisor at the company who also served on the borough council for Milford Township in Hunterdon County, had just gotten out of his car when he was shot and killed by a former employee in the parking lot, according to investigators. Russell Heller is shown in this undated photo. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton. A memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, the New Jersey councilwoman who was shot to death inside her car. Gilliano then called 911 and reported that he had just shot someone in the head and was in the process of performing life saving measures (CPR), police stated in the affidavit. The Milford Merchants Association and Milford Fire Company Station 92 shared their condolences about Councilman Heller's death on social media. NJ COUNCILWOMAN MURDER: SHADOWY FIGURE SEEN ON CAMERA RUNNING NEAR SITE OF UNSOLVED KILLING. Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was found in her SUV outside a Sayreville apartment complex with multiple gunshot wounds, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said; she was pronounced dead on scene. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. WebBUENA VISTA, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has identified the man who was shot and killed by police after allegedly stealing an officer's WebGet breaking Hunterdon County NJ local news, weather, events, sports and more from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Lebanon, Raritan and others. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean tweeted. She expressed appreciation for the support the family has received from all of those who knew her brother. ", The Hunterdon County Republican Party said in a statement that Heller was "a dedicated and valuable member of the Milford and Hunterdon County community whose leadership and commitment will be sorely missed," adding that he was a "loving and caring father to his daughter and a dedicated and loyal friend to all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Somerset County Prosecutors Office at (908) 231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533. ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. Officials have not released any details about the victim, but CBS2 has learned no one else at the facility was in danger. Russell was an admired employee anda supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Something like this has never happened in borough history. An investigation into the deadly shooting led law enforcement to identify 58-year-old Gary Curtis, of Washington township, as the suspected gunman. PEDRICKTOWN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A shooting at a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike has prompted an investigation by the state attorney general's office. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? WebWalter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, following an argument outside of Villaris Sports Bar on Coles Mill Road in Franklin Township. Our hearts are broken but his will beat on, a relative wrote on Facebook. The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. He will be sorely missed by all in our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said it is investigating after a local police officer reportedly shot a person Monday afternoon in Atlantic County. A former employee, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, approached Heller and shot him outside of his vehicle, officials said. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target," the prosecutor's office said. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. WebA Gloucester County man has been indicted for allegedly shooting a neighbor dead during a dispute over a loose dog, authorities said.Zachary A. Lahneman, 27, of Turnersville, is accused of killing Victor Marrero, Jr., 39, in the Birches apartments' parking lot on Nov. 16, 2022, according to the Glo GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ 3 HOURS AGO 4 Comment In this screen grab from a video, the scene of the shooting of N.J. councilperson Russell Heller is shown in Franklin Township, N.J., on Feb. 8, 2023. Authorities are asking anyone with information relating to the homicide to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. "Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township. WebMultiple 911 calls started coming in just after 7 a.m. Wednesday reported a person had been shot at the PSE&G facility in Franklin Township, the Somerset County Prosecutor's PSE&G said after the shooting that they were offering support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement. "We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G," the company wrote, describing Heller as "an admired employee" of more than 11 years. WebRoy Jackel Jr., 42, of Cape May Court House: A Franklin Township, Gloucester County, police officer shot Jackel on April 5, 2021, in Buena Vista after he ran toward police with Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. The vehicle crashed on Burnham Road causing damage to a property and a utility pole. The CBS New York team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSNewYork.com. Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was found shot to death inside a car in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Feb. 1, 2023. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office along with Franklin Township Police are investigating the homicide. He always wanted to make sure that he was living his best life and making money for the future, she said. 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No clear motive or suspect has been identified by police in Dwumfour's death. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Suspect, 18, charged with murder in Temple University officer's shooting death, DA says. A borough councilperson was fatally shot in New Jersey this week, marking thesecond attack in seven days where an act of gun violence resulted in the death of a local elected official in the state. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. In a statement Wednesday night, Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Zachary Rich said the Board joins its colleagues in Milford in offering its "sincere condolences to the Heller Family at this unimaginably difficult time for their tragic loss. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. A handgun revolver recovered from the scene was legally registered to Curtis, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. In a news release Friday afternoon, the prosecutor's office reported that investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an employment dispute. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We are very shaken by this. Heller was the intended target, McDonald said, and authorities are still trying to determine a motive. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. https://t.co/KITkU4G4aS. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Officers responded to the scene around 4:45 a.m. Saturday and found Gilliano rendering aid to Stuart, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by police. For the second time in a week, a local New Jersey council member was shot and killed, according to officials, this time in what police said appeared to be a murder-suicide by a former employee at a PSE&G facility. And, according to the Somerset County Prosecutors Office, the suspected gunman was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a parking lot in Bridgewater. Fox News Flash top headlines for February 9. Bridgewater Police are helping to secure the site, and we're told the two scenes are connected. Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. Box 1000 The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. "So positive, always had a smile and always made any situation better.". Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100,the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. or redistributed. New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean, whose district includes parts of Somerset County, where Franklin township is located, praised Heller in another message shared onTwitter after his death. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near The shooting that killed Russell Heller, 51, stemmed from a workplace dispute, authorities announced Friday. Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. He greatly enjoyed serving the residents of the town that he grew up in and was always trying to improve whatever he could. ALSO READ | Crime increasing in area of East NY officer-involved shooting, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. WebFranklin Township police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting victim in the parking lot of the PSE &G location around 7 a.m. Wednesday, the department said. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". Gilliano and Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office. "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. Your email address will not be published. I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. The According to investigators, Heller was fatally shot by a former employee, Gary Curtis, 58, of Washington, N.J. Officials say Curtis walked up to Heller in the parking lot and shot him. Detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department along with the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit, the Crime Scene Investigations Unit and investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiners Office went to the scene to conduct the investigation and determined that Curtis was the suspect. Phil Murphy also released a statement after the shooting: "Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, following an argument outside of Villaris Sports Bar on Coles Mill Road in Franklin Township. Sources say a man found there died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Get Directions, Phone:(908) 850-1000 Authorities say Curtis then drove to another parking lot in Bridgewater Township and shot himself. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533 or via the STOPit app. Watch more local news on CBS News New York: https://cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M. Heller, 51, was found shot dead outside his car, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Heller, a Republican, was first elected to the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene along with detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department to investigate. All Rights Reserved. As law enforcement officers approached they "observed him suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound" and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Market data provided by Factset. Police on Thursday called the shooting an "isolated incident.". PSE&G employee who was fatally shot was a Milford councilman, Motive revealed in shooting outside PSE&G facility, 51-year-old man killed outside New Jersey PSE&G facility, Sources: Deadly shooting outside PSE&G office. No clear motive or suspect has yet been identified by police in her death. We are very shaken by this. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". FRANKLIN (Somerset) A PSE&G employee, who was also a Republican borough councilman in the Hunterdon County community of Milford, was fatally shot Wednesday morning in the parking lot of the utilitys facility on Weston Canal Road. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) Authorities are investigating into a shooting that may have occurred in the area of Hamilton Street on Monday night in Franklin Township, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! ", More:MyCentralJersey.com seeks public records in Sayreville councilwoman's killing, We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G. When they arrived, the responding officers found Heller had suffered a gunshot wound and already succumbed to his injuries. He really wanted to buy a house. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. He was 51 years old. We are very shaken by this.". Heller was first elected to the council in 2017 and again in 2020. Dwumfour, 30, was the first Black person elected to office in the township on the state's eastern edge. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. PSE&G issued the following statement on the shooting: We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G. Russ was always an advocate of our small town's fire company. Officers located a Glock 19 handgun at the shooting scene and a spent .9mm bullet casing near Gillianos vehicle, police said. ", Rep. Tom Kean Jr. said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. Dwumfour -- the mother of a 12-year-old daughter and leader of her church -- was elected into office in 2021 and worked as a business analyst and part-time emergency medical technician. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell ", "On behalf of the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners, we share in the collective shock and grief felt upon learning of Russell Hellers senseless shooting death today," Rich said. Political leaders in New Jersey reacted on social media Wednesday to news of the deadly shooting that killed Heller, echoing similar sentiments shared in response to Dwumfour's murder that acknowledged it as a devastating consequence of gun violence in the area. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com. Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. The shooting was an isolated incident, the prosecutor said. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. It happened NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. It's not yet clear if that was the person wanted in the PSE&G shooting. He was working towards his goals. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. Photo Credit: Google Maps (Street View) A school in Mckees Rocks briefly went into a lockdown when multiple agencies' police vehicles were shot at with on-duty officers inside, authorities say. Heller was a council member in the township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With assistance from Bridgewater officers, detectives approached the vehicle and saw he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald said. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Heller leaves behind a 19-year-old daughter and was one of seven siblings. The prosecutor's office believes it was a homicide. Heller was a Milford Borough councilman and PSE&G supervisor for the past 11 years. Homeschool Athletes Now Allowed To Play Ball In Hillsborough, Delayed Opening For Hillsborough Schools Due To Impending Snow, Sign Up Now: Portrait Oil Painting Workshop May 19 - 21 with Tina Garrett, Hoboken's Official St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl, Now Hiring!! Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Connecticut man killed in violent attack in West Bank, NYPD asks shop owners for help in crime fighting efforts, At least 29 dead, 85 injured after trains collide in Greece: officials. Heller's death came exactly one week after Eunice Dwumfour, a borough councilwoman in Sayreville was shot to death in a car parked outside of her home on the evening of Feb. 1. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Investigators determined that the shooting was not connected with Heller's "elected office or political affiliation," Deputy Chief Frank Roman Jr. with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement Thursday. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Kyle Mazza / AP. LINDEN, N.J. Authorities say four people were dead following a shooting in New Jersey, and the suspected gunman is believed to be among the deceased. Were all really, really hurt and trying to process it. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report. Investigators say it was due to a dispute over prior disciplinary actions between an employee and supervisor. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. Chad was really funny, she said Wednesday. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. This graphic shows the distance between the killings of local council members Russell Heller and Eunice Dwumfour in New Jersey. Once Villaris closed, which was around 2 a.m., a witness said he remained in the parking lot with Stuart and Gilliano and that a verbal altercation began, according to the affidavit. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, died this week of injuries he suffered in a shooting early Saturday in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at approximately 3:58 a.m., Franklin Township Police officers were dispatched to the area of Elizabeth Street in New Brunswick for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while in the area of Hamilton Street and Franklin Boulevard in Franklin Township. "He will be sorely missed by all, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," said PSE&G. WebAt around 8:30 a.m. Franklin County Sheriffs deputies and Madison Township police responded to a shooting near the 5400 block of Newport Road in the Blacklick Estates The prosecutor's office in Somerset County said in a statement Thursday morning that the deadly shooting was not politically motivated, CBS New York reported. Web0:00 1:00 FRANKLIN (Somerset) A PSE&G employee, who was also a Republican borough councilman in the Hunterdon County community of Milford, was fatally shot The witness said he ran for safety because he feared he would be shot next, according to the affidavit. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 0:00. Milford Mayor Henry Schepens says everyone is devastated by the loss of Russell Heller. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this," PSE&G said in a statement. Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. The victim, a New Brunswick resident, was located in the area of Hamilton Street and Matilda Avenue by an unidentified individual and transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, Robertson said. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens added. Curtis, a former employee at PSE&G, was found dead several hours later from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County)," the statement read, according to CBS New York. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 6:09 PM A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. It remains an ongoing homicide investigation. 0:45. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Milford Fire Company Station 92 said that Heller was always an advocate of the town's fire company and was always trying to improve whatever he could. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Officers discovered the suspect's body inside his car, which was traced to a parking lot in the neighboring township. He was a really hard worker. "He was so full of life, it's just unbelievable that he's gone. "The Milford Fire Company would also like to extend our condolences to the family of Milford Councilman Russell Heller.