"The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens told digital news content provider NJ.com. This was the second councilperson to die by gun violence within a week in the Garden State. A memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, the New Jersey councilwoman who was shot to death inside her car. "His mother was on council for 20 years, his father was councilman and the mayor, so deeply rooted in this community," Schepens said. Russ was always an advocate of our small town's fire company. Both victims went to the hospital for treatment, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation,Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Spruill said. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater parking lot. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? 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. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. No arrests have been announced in the case. 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 bar was closed at the time of the incident, business operators confirmed. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The incident comes one week after the separate, fatal shooting of another New Jersey council member. February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. 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). Officers were dispatched to the facility on a 911 call, the Franklin Township Police Department said in a news release. Hackettstown, NJ 07840 FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE&G Central Division in Franklin Township. He greatly enjoyed serving the residents of the town that he grew up in and was always trying to improve whatever he could. Gilliano allegedly told Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns.. WebThe mission of the Franklin Township Police Department is to protect and enhance the quality of life via a Community Policing Operational Philosophy, through a partnership with the community, and to promote a safe and secure environment, free from crime and the fear of crime, for all who live, work or visit our community. A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around The Milford Merchants Association also released a statement: "There simply are no words for the tragedy that took place yesterday as our well-loved, kind, hardworking councilman was killed as he arrived at work. Market data provided by Factset. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around. Just a local great guy," he said. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. Heller, 51, was also a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. 207. The victim, 51-year-old Russell Heller, had worked with PSE&G for the last 11 years as a supervisor. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. All rights reserved (About Us). Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. We are very shaken by this. WebSOMERSET, NJ - The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office has released a motive in the fatal shooting of a PSEG supervisor outside his car at the office, on Weston Canal Road Dwumfour sustained multiple gunshot wounds in her SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. 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. The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. 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 (Fox News). There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near CBS2 has learned more about Wednesday morning's deadly shooting at a PSE&G facility in Somerset, New Jersey. 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. 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 PSE&G supervisor gunned down by an employee at work was a Milford Councilman in Hunterdon County, officials announced. 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. Chad was really funny, she said Wednesday. The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department are conducting the investigation. https://t.co/KITkU4G4aS. WebMission Statement: The mission of the Franklin Township Police Department is to protect and enhance the quality of life via a Community Policing Operational Philosophy, through a partnership with the community, and to promote a safe and secure environment, free from crime and the fear of crime, for all who live, work or visit our community. Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, died this week of injuries he suffered in a shooting early Saturday in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and Heller was the intended target. 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. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. 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. Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to contact prosecutors office Detective Eric Bailey at 856-384-5685 or Franklin Township Police Detective Alex Fragoso at 856-694-1415, ext. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence," New Jersey Gov. "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. All Rights Reserved. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Published Apr 5, 2021. Gilliano remains in Salem County Correctional Facility and is due back in court this week for a detention hearing. Curtis, a former employee at PSE&G, was found dead several hours later from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township.Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence. 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." Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. 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. Charges already filed against the alleged gunman were upgraded Wednesday to include murder, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office. Heller was a Milford Borough councilman and PSE&G supervisor for the past 11 years. CBS2 watched as Heller's car was towed away. WebFRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. Something like this has never happened in borough history. He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time, PSE&G said in a statement. The Milford Merchants Association and Milford Fire Company Station 92 shared their condolences about Councilman Heller's death on social media. 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 Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Legal Statement. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 8:37 PM Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was found shot to death inside a car in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Feb. 1, 2023. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene along with detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department to investigate. In addition to these jobs, he was also a basketball coach, Guzman noted. The victim, a township woman, suffered a gunshot wound while walkingto a home during a party, police said. After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson. WebSOMERSET, NJ Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a barbershop in the Somerset section of Franklin Township following a two ALSO READ | Crime increasing in area of East NY officer-involved shooting, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. The witness said he ran for safety because he feared he would be shot next, according to the affidavit. 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. Police suspect it was a gang Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. 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. 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. Box 1000 Questions about the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell 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. Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. 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. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. All employees are safe and there's no further danger, sources say. NJ.com reported that the mayor of Milford, Henri Schepens, said "its just unbelievable that hes gone. 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. Toni Yates has the story. Kyle Mazza / AP. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. The firearm used in the parking lot shooting was recovered inside. According to the prosecutor's office, the shooting was due to "prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor.". We are cooperating with law-enforcement respect to their investigation.". Gary Curtis, 58, was identified as the suspect in the shooting and found at 10:20 a.m. inside a car in Bridgewater, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said. Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The CBS New York team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSNewYork.com. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). He was taking care of his parents, lives next door. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! WebPEDRICKTOWN, 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. Download here. Dwumfour, 30, was the first Black person elected to office in the township on the state's eastern edge. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. WebGov. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The killing comes one week after the slaying of Dwumfour, who was found dead in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. Have a news tip? Something like this has never happened in borough history. 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. 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. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. WebPublished Apr 5, 2021. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office along with Franklin Township Police are investigating the homicide. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. ", Rep. Tom Kean Jr. said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. Sources tell CBS2 this was a homicide and one man is dead. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. FRANKLIN TWP. Responding officers identified the victim as Russell Heller, 51, of Milford, N.J. Heller worked for PSE&G at the Somerset compound. Roy Jackel, 41, was gunned down in Buena Vista, N.J. earlier this month as officers warned him to stop, video released by the New Jersey Attorney Generals office on Tuesday shows. Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV outside her home, police said. Suspect, 18, charged with murder in Temple University officer's shooting death, DA says. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. There were no reported injuries but police found 27 shell casings in the area, said Robertson. 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. Gilliano and Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office. 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