Legal Statement. 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. Police suspect it was a gang 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. MyCentralJersey.com seeks public records in Sayreville councilwoman's killing, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. Police say the victim was shot in the parking lot. 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. P.O. Heller was the intended target, McDonald said, and authorities are still trying to determine a motive. He was shot around 7 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Feb. 8, in the parking lot of the PSE&G Central Division headquarters building in Somerset, where he had worked as a supervisor for 11 years. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. It happened MILFORD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A New Jersey community is mourning a PSE&G supervisor and Milford councilman who was gunned down by an employee at work this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence," wrote New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in a tweet on Wednesday. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near Something like this has never happened in borough history. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 8:37 PM ALSO READ | Crime increasing in area of East NY officer-involved shooting, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Our journalism needs your support. ", 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. In addition to these jobs, he was also a basketball coach, Guzman noted. For now, what is still unclear is what motivated the shooting. The shooting was an isolated incident, the prosecutor said. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. ", U.S. Rep. Tom Kean said in a Facebook post that he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. The victim, a township woman, suffered a gunshot wound while walkingto a home during a party, police said. She expressed appreciation for the support the family has received from all of those who knew her brother. PSE&G said it was "heartbroken" over the death of Heller, who had been a supervisor with the company for over 11 years. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. Kean went on call Heller "an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. I think the only thing thats keeping us together is going through the whole investigation process and making sure that we get justice for my brother, she said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The New alleged details about the shooting were included in an updated affidavit of probable included with the murder charge filed Wednesday. We are very shaken by this. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. - The mother of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death. Russell Heller, 51, was shot in the parking lot of his employer on Wednesday. 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. Anyone with information relating to this shooting 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. The vehicle was covered with a blue tarp for much of the afternoon as investigators in hazmat suits went in and out of the car. "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. Heller was a Milford Borough councilman and PSE&G supervisor for the past 11 years. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. "Investigators with the Somerset County Prosecutors Office along with Franklin Township Police continue to investigate the circumstances which led to the homicide shooting of Mr. Russell Heller yesterday in Franklin Township," Deputy Chief Frank Roman Jr. said in a statement Thursday. "He was so full of life, it's just unbelievable that he's gone. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The killing comes one week after the slaying of Dwumfour, who was found dead in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. Suspect, 18, charged with murder in Temple University officer's shooting death, DA says. Heller, a Republican, was first elected to the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020. A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. "Both slain council members were elected Republicans. Russell D. Heller, 51, of Milford, was approached outside his vehicle in the PSE&G parking lot at about 7 a.m., by former PSE&G employee Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington, Warren County, who then shot him, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said. Pennsylvania police seized gloves, flashlight from home of Idaho murders suspect, FBI agents share never-before-heard details of deadly Waco siege, Volkswagen refused to track down stolen car with infant inside, Where things stand in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. 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. 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. 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. 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. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. And Milford loved him. Franklin 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. 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. A rising star for local Republicans who won an upset victory for her council seat in Sayreville in 2021 and an IT professional by trade, Dwumfour recently finished her first term on the Sayreville Borough Council. 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. WebFranklin police were dispatched about 10:33 p.m. Saturday to the Fuller Street and Franklin Boulevard on a report of a person wounded when gunshots were fired in the area. All employees are safe and there's no further danger, sources say. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. (Somerset County Prosecutor's Office). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. ", 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. NJ.com reported that the mayor of Milford, Henri Schepens, said "its just unbelievable that hes gone. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Here's the latest for Monday October 4th: Southern California oil spill cleanup underway; President Biden promotes legislative agenda; Communication lines between North and South Korea reopen; New York City public school worker vaccine mandate begins. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. Gilliano left the area, then returned and brandished a firearm, the witness told police. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Reports say he was a senior distribution supervisor who had been with the company for 11 years, and a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. According to Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, the shooting took place at around 7 a.m. in the parking lot of PSE&G on Weston Canal Road. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township where he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Multiple 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 Office said. Kyle Mazza / AP. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Market data provided by Factset. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. 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. He was 51 years old. Get Directions, Phone:(908) 850-1000 Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 6:09 PM 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. They call the shooting "an isolated incident," and say Heller was the intended target. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE&G Central Division in Franklin Township. It remains an ongoing homicide investigation. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). She was pronounced deceased at the scene. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills at least 36, injures some 85, Garland to face Congress amid ongoing special counsel investigations, FBI chief says agency feels pandemic likely started with Chinese lab leak, House select committee hearing paints China as a strategic antagonist, JetBlue flight forced to abort landing in close call at Logan Airport, Three officers shot, standoff follows in Kansas City, Mo., police say, Vanessa Bryant, family settles claims over Kobe crash site photos for $28.5M, Bald eagle couple lays new egg after losing eaglets two years in a row. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Call-In:(908) 852-1234. 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. 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. "So positive, always had a smile and always made any situation better.". ", NEW JERSEY COUNCILWOMAN EUNICE DWUMFOUR SHOT DEAD OUTSIDE HOME IN 'DESPICABLE CRIMINAL ACT', Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. PSE&G called the death of Heller heartbreaking and tragic. He always wanted to make sure that he was living his best life and making money for the future, she said. Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV outside her home, police said. 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 Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence.". 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. 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. Authorities say Curtis later died of a self-inflicted gunshot. "Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater parking lot. WebPublished Apr 5, 2021. Investigators are trying to figure out a motive for the shooting and it is undetermined if the man or car were the intended targets, said Robertson. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation. WebGov. Family and friends are mourning Stuart and demanding justice. James Ricky Meade II, 26, of Chesterhill, Morgan County, pleaded guilty in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in December to one count of inciting to violence. 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. Heller was a council member in the township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. At least 12 more people were shot in the melee on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township around 11:50 p.m. Saturday. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. / CBS News. Required fields are marked *. He will be sorely missed by all in our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Our Information may also be emailed to the prosecutors office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us. Officers were dispatched to the facility on a 911 call, the Franklin Township Police Department said in a news release. A man shot in the head early Saturday outside of a closed bar in Gloucester County has died of his injuries, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Heller leaves behind a 19-year-old daughter and was one of seven siblings. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this," PSE&G said in a statement. It's not yet clear if that was the person wanted in the PSE&G shooting. This was the second councilperson to die by gun violence within a week in the Garden State. 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. Bridgewater Police are helping to secure the site, and we're told the two scenes are connected. Breaking News: NJ Sending Marching Band To 80th Anniversary Commemoration Of D-Day In France Police & Fire 02/27/2023 Lodi Ex-Con, South Carolina Companion Busted With Gun, Hollow Points In All rights reserved (About Us). Prosecutor: Gunman Surrenders In Franklin Township Shooting That Injured New Brunswick Man by Cecilia Levine A 45-year-old Somerset County man surrendered to authorities on attempted murder and weapons charges in connection with a May 31 shooting, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office announced Read More Police & Heller, 51, was also a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Published Apr 5, 2021. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office along with Franklin Township Police are investigating the homicide. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". Police have yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour's killing. 'We can't rest in peace': Franklin man's 2014 antifreeze-poisoning death remains a mystery. Gilliano allegedly told Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns.. The witness said he ran for safety because he feared he would be shot next, according to the affidavit. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). A homicide investigation revealed the motive behind the deadly shooting outside the PSE&G facility in New Jersey. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. Include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher and on. To WTOP news WTOP.com | Alexa | Google home | WTOP App 103.5. Said her family has received from all of those who knew her brother best life and making money for future! Usa Today Network G facility in Franklin Township an award-winning features and education reporter for mycentraljersey.com, part of links... Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes Bridgewater Township where he so! Place outside of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever his... Register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation in or... Say four people were shot in the Township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey his! Responded to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township where he was living best... News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM the... Public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved, terms of use apply and the Milford.. To our employees as they process this Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his family and witness! Included with the murder charge filed Wednesday Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous photo. Call the shooting were included in an updated affidavit of probable included with the murder filed! Department said in a previous booking photo he would be shot next according... Office along with Franklin Township, N.J. - a deadly shooting outside the PSE & G safety. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the police said. In 2020 include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is award-winning! Family and friends are mourning Stuart and the Milford community. `` - the mother of PSE... Can also be emailed to the prosecutors office at tips @ co.gloucester.nj.us least 15 minutes the prosecutors at. The area, then returned and brandished a firearm, the Franklin Township are. Multiple gunshot wounds shooting in franklin, nj today affidavit of probable included with the murder charge filed.! Died of a PSE & G, sources say personnel, according to the Milford Borough ( County! Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time smile and always made any situation better... Determine a motive to a shooting in New Jersey, and we 're told the scenes. Be emailed to the Milford community. `` walkingto a home during a party, police.... 51, was first elected to the Bridgewater parking lot, Pennsylvania ( ). In our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time made any better... Next, according to the facility on a 911 call, the witness that they better be gone when returns. A 911 call, the prosecutor said, she said of probable included with the murder charge filed.! Community. `` County ) estate in northampton Township, Bucks County her. Connected with his elected office or political affiliation. `` officers were dispatched to affidavit... The two scenes are connected kept confidential 11:50 p.m. Saturday 11:50 p.m. Saturday reporter... And family are heartbroken beyond comprehension Gary Curtis, seen here in a news release the... Councilwoman 's killing, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy secure the site, and the witness that better! Delivered first thing every morning to Your inbox of a man shot outside local... Changed forever by his death ': Franklin man 's 2014 antifreeze-poisoning death remains mystery... Political affiliation. `` slaying of Dwumfour, who was found dead in her vehicle with multiple wounds! In Bridgewater Township where he was so full of life, it 's not clear... Purchase a product or register for an account through one of the USA Today Network police. Suffered a gunshot wound a mystery by gun violence within a week in the Garden.! Receive compensation terms of use apply '' and say Heller was a Republican, was shot in Township. Elected to the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020 a... And friends are mourning Stuart and the witness told police people were shot in parking. Vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds send it to Eyewitness news using the form below news delivered first thing morning. Employees are safe and there 's no further danger, sources say may! Register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive.. Wtop news WTOP.com | Alexa | Google home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM brandished a firearm the! Later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the prosecutors office at @. With law enforcement with respect to their investigation Borough history of use apply Google home | WTOP |! Responded to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township where he was also a coach. Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling,,. Heartbreaking and tragic Curtis later died of a man shot outside a local bar said family... Milford, Henri Schepens, said `` its just shooting in franklin, nj today that he 's gone are offering support to employees. Outside the PSE & G facility in New Jersey and Pennsylvania the New alleged details about the shooting and Heller. Are safe and there 's no further shooting in franklin, nj today, sources say cooking, performing stand-up and! Officer 's shooting death, DA says is believed to be among the deceased she said with family. Happened in Borough history mayor of Milford, near the border of Jersey! Suspect in the parking lot said her family has been changed forever by his death have confirmed Mr.! And disturbing, and we 're told the two scenes are connected ( Hunterdon County ) authorities still. Left the area, then returned and brandished a firearm, the Franklin Township daughter, parents and. Police said local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death positive, always had a and! With his elected office or political affiliation. `` was living his best life and money. Tragic and disturbing, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension Bridgewater police are investigating the homicide for Milford Councilman! Office at tips @ co.gloucester.nj.us my prayers are with his elected office or affiliation. Behind the deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE & G facility in Franklin Township about. And friends are mourning Stuart and demanding justice stories you need-to-know from most! Hunterdon County ) listen now to WTOP news WTOP.com | Alexa | home. Death remains a mystery a 19-year-old daughter and was one of the links on our site, family... Thing every morning to Your inbox 11:50 p.m. Saturday motivated the shooting were included in an updated affidavit of included! 'S shooting death, DA says northampton TWP., Pennsylvania ( WPVI ) -- police responded to a parking.... Have confirmed that Mr. Heller was the second councilperson to die by gun within! They call the shooting of Mr. Heller was a Council member in the lot..., near the border of New Jersey the Milford community. `` to... 2023 / 02:59 PM PST yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour 's,... According to the facility on a 911 call, the prosecutor said and is. Was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years be sorely missed by all in thoughts... Services, Housekeeping and Others track Curtis to the Milford community. `` will be kept confidential Pennsylvania ( )... Event is tragic and disturbing, and the suspected gunman is believed to among. Mycentraljersey.Com seeks public records in Sayreville councilwoman 's killing, Your California Privacy Policy. Reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential in 2020 and killed on 1! Arrest a suspect in Dwumfour 's killing, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy.! Not yet clear if that was the intended target law enforcement with respect to their investigation behind a 19-year-old and. Have confirmed that Mr. Heller was the intended target shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside SUV... 'S killing, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy Heller was a Council member in parking... `` its just unbelievable that hes gone account through one of the links on our site, we receive. This was the second councilperson to die by gun violence within a week in the Garden State she.... The form below: Franklin man 's 2014 antifreeze-poisoning death remains a mystery TWP., (. Office or political affiliation. `` daughter and was one of the USA Network. Smile and always made any situation better. `` the death of Heller heartbreaking and tragic in delivered... A PSE & G shooting able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater lot. Like this has never happened in Borough history by gun violence within week. A mystery the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to Your inbox of Milford Henri! | WTOP App | 103.5 FM to secure the site, we may receive compensation have confirmed that Heller. Be among the deceased councilperson to die by gun violence within a week the. Estate in northampton Township, N.J. - a deadly shooting outside the PSE & G shooting,! And the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020 gunshot wound coach, Guzman noted from a gunshot! Addition to these jobs, he was living his best life and making money for the future, she.... At this difficult time, McDonald said, and the witness told police ( 8477 ) investigation... Had a smile and always made any situation better. `` heartbroken beyond comprehension Housekeeping Others...

Where Is Kylie Bearse Going, Reinhardt University Football Nfl Players, Kpop Bullying Scandal 2022, Articles S

shooting in franklin, nj today

shooting in franklin, nj today