Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Legal Statement. WebThe 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Heller was first elected to the council in 2017 and again in 2020. Police suspect it was a gang Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. The Somerset County prosecutor's office released the following statement Thursday morning: "Investigators with the Somerset County Prosecutor's 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 (Somerset County), New Jersey. 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 Don't miss local and statewide announcements. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. The bar was closed at the time of the incident, business operators confirmed. A handgun revolver recovered from the scene was legally registered to Curtis, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. He always wanted to make sure that he was living his best life and making money for the future, she said. WebLocal New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, according to reports. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. ", U.S. Rep. Tom Kean said in a Facebook post that he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. Police have yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour's killing. 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. Stuart was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, in extreme critical condition, police said. At least 12 more people were shot in the melee on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township around 11:50 p.m. Saturday. "His mother was on council for 20 years, his father was councilman and the mayor, so deeply rooted in this community," Schepens said. It's not yet clear if that was the person wanted in the PSE&G shooting. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. Authorities investigate alleged shooting in Somerset County. A memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, the New Jersey councilwoman who was shot to death inside her car. 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. Published Apr 5, 2021. NJ.com reported that the mayor of Milford, Henri Schepens, said "its just unbelievable that hes gone. 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. Stuart was remembered at the Lake House restaurant as an amazing server, friend, baker, spontaneous singer, and goofy dancer with an infectious smile! according to a Facebook post, which included several photos of him. 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. 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A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. She expressed appreciation for the support the family has received from all of those who knew her brother. 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. "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. Download here. ", 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. The PSE&G facility, the central division headquarters in Somerset, is a busy hub, but activity was brought to a standstill following the shooting. Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. The witness said he ran for safety because he feared he would be shot next, according to the affidavit. Your email address will not be published. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. Gov. Heller leaves behind a 19-year-old daughter and was one of seven siblings. 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. 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. Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV outside her home, police said. https://t.co/KITkU4G4aS. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. Detectives were able to track down the suspects Mercedes-Benz parked a few miles away at the Bridgewater train station, where it was discovered that the shooter had taken his own life, police said. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 6:09 PM Suspect, 18, charged with murder in Temple University officer's shooting death, DA says. FRANKLIN TWP. He was working towards his goals. Gilliano and Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office. The shooting that killed Russell Heller, 51, stemmed from a workplace dispute, authorities announced Friday. The killing comes a week after a member of a different New Jersey borough council was shot and killed outside her home. He will be truly missed," the fire company posted on Facebook. CBS2 has learned more about Wednesday morning's deadly shooting at a PSE&G facility in Somerset, New Jersey. New Jersey leaders are mourning the loss of a councilman who was killed in what police said was a targeted workplace shooting on Wednesday. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). Sources tell CBS2 this was a homicide and one man is dead. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. Sources say a man found there died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 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!! ", "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean said. On May 31, at around 10:26 p.m., township police officers responded to an area hospital for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while in the area of Hamilton Street, Robertson said. Bridgewater Police are helping to secure the site, and we're told the two scenes are connected. 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. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around We surround you with our love and prayers," the merchants association posted. Required fields are marked *. Kyle Mazza / AP. We hope these memories bring a smile as we grieve and heal together, the post concluded. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target," the prosecutor's office said. P.O. Investigators say it was due to a dispute over prior disciplinary actions between an employee and supervisor. Police say the victim was shot in the parking lot. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). 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. 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 Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. 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