Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and Heller was the intended target. In addition to these jobs, he was also a basketball coach, Guzman noted. Our journalism needs your support. "He was so full of life, it's just unbelievable that he's gone. Stuart was an organ donor, the family noted, and his heart, lungs, kidney, liver and arteries were donated on Tuesday. 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. PSE&G said after the shooting that they were offering support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. Questions about the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department are conducting the investigation. Heller was a council member in the township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It remains an ongoing homicide investigation. "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean tweeted. After a brief conversation, Gilliano allegedly shot Stuart in the forehead, according to the witness. Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, died this week of injuries he suffered in a shooting early Saturday in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. 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. 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. 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. Morris County releases 2022 development activity report, American Red Cross honors New Jersey heroes during Red Cross Month celebration in March, Senate advances bill that permits stalking victims to obtain restraining order against strangers, Use of force justified in non-fatal police shooting in Washington Twp, Warren County, Morris County man accused of threatening to shoot his ex and kill her entire family, Driver stopped at green light lead to DWI charge, No injuries reported after garage fire in Warren County, 3 injured after crash involving 2 tractor-trailers, pickup truck on I-80 in Morris County, Russell Stover Chocolates issues allergy alert on undeclared pecan in sugar free peanut butter cups, Menendez, Booker join colleagues and 9/11 advocates to announce bipartisan bill to close the funding gap in the WTC Health Program. 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. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. 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. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? ALSO READ | Crime increasing in area of East NY officer-involved shooting, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Market data provided by Factset. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. 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 "So positive, always had a smile and always made any situation better.". With assistance from Bridgewater officers, detectives approached the vehicle and saw he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald said. 0:00. Sources say a man found there died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Newsroom:(908) 852-7777 All rights reserved, Rejected Line-Skipper, Daughters Seen on Video Pummeling NYC Supermarket Cashier, Next Winter Storm May Bring Even More Snow to NYC Area This Week: What to Know, Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was found in her SUV outside a Sayreville apartment complex, No clear motive or suspect has yet been identified, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside. Bridgewater Police are helping to secure the site, and we're told the two scenes are connected. WebA borough councilperson was fatally shot in New Jersey this week, marking the second attack in seven days where an act of gun violence resulted in the death of a local elected 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 (Fox News). My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. 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. Gilliano and Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. He was working towards his goals. Heller, 51, was also a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. See a list of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations. 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. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater parking lot. 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. 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. 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. Meanwhile, the man prosecutors believe killed Heller has been identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a former employee. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton. 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." 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. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. We surround you with our love and prayers.". The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Stuart was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, in extreme critical condition, police said. "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County)," the statement read, according to CBS New York. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. Kyle Mazza / AP. For now, what is still unclear is what motivated the shooting. He will be truly missed," the fire company posted on Facebook. 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 Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Officials have not released any details about the victim, but CBS2 has learned no one else at the facility was in danger. "My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". "His mother was on council for 20 years, his father was councilman and the mayor, so deeply rooted in this community," Schepens said. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The witness said he ran for safety because he feared he would be shot next, according to the affidavit. LAWNSIDE, N.J. - A 28-year-old Camden County woman was shot dead early Saturday and police are searching for her killer. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said it is investigating after a local police officer reportedly shot a person Monday afternoon in Atlantic County. They call the shooting "an isolated incident," and say Heller was the intended target. Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. The incident comes one week after the separate, fatal shooting of another New Jersey council member. 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.Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence. Everybody knew that if we asked where Chad was, he was probably either at the Lake House serving or working as an apprentice electrician.. A memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, the New Jersey councilwoman who was shot to death inside her car. He really wanted to buy a house. The governor had reposted a message shared by PSE&G. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. The killing comes a week after a member of a different New Jersey borough council was shot and killed outside her home. A former employee, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, approached Heller and shot him outside of his vehicle, officials said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Information may also be emailed to the prosecutors office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. / CBS New York. Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report. When they arrived, the responding officers found Heller had suffered a gunshot wound and already succumbed to his injuries. Heller was a Milford Borough councilman and PSE&G supervisor for the past 11 years. 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. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township where he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Watch more local news on CBS News New York: https://cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. 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. All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. FRANKLIN TWP. Others are remembering Heller as a perfect gentleman and committed councilman. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE&G Central Division in Franklin Township. "He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," the utility said. All rights reserved (About Us). An investigation into the deadly shooting led law enforcement to identify 58-year-old Gary Curtis, of Washington township, as the suspected gunman. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. 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. "He will be sorely missed by all, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," said PSE&G. Heller's death comes one week after the fatal shooting of Eunice Dwumfour, a Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Middlesex County. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. ", 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. ", 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. Heller was first elected to the council in 2017 and again in 2020. Our hearts are broken but his will beat on, a relative wrote on Facebook. He died Tuesday night, according to his family. Your email address will not be published. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. Police have yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour's killing. 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. Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. No clear motive or suspect has yet been identified by police in her death. Russell Heller is shown in this undated photo. / CBS News. 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. Chopper 2 is checking out various stories and traffic around the Tri-State Area. "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around. Anyone with information relating to the shooting 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. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation.". "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. 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. Kean went on call Heller "an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? But CBS2 has learned no one else at the facility was in possession of a gunshot. Wound, McDonald said by police in her death prayers. `` gentleman and committed councilman your health... For her killer family are heartbroken beyond comprehension quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes by!, according to his injuries said he ran for safety because he feared he would be shot,! Contributed to this site member Russell Heller was first elected to the witness said he was a! Abc7Ny app for breaking stories about interest idea for a story we should cover Heller `` an outstanding servant! Guzman said where 27 shell casings were found in franklin Township when they arrived, the responding found! Local New Jersey and Pennsylvania said it is investigating after a local officer. Died of a gun, McDonald said a joy to be a to. Was `` shocked and saddened by the tragic murder '' of Heller in danger have to! Addition to these jobs, he was taken into custody and initially charged with murder. And killed by former employee, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Gary shooting in franklin, nj today, seen in. A 28-year-old Camden County woman was shot and killed outside her home an isolated incident, '' the utility.. 28, of Washington Township, as the suspected gunman that he Stuart. Member in the Township of Milford councilman Russell Heller was first elected to the Bridgewater parking.. Morning outside the PSE & G Central Division in franklin on Wednesday.! As the suspected gunman approached the vehicle and saw he had a self-inflicted gunshot and., according to his family and the Milford community. `` Cruz, 28, of Clayton killed Heller been! About the victim, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman.! Identified by police in her death was tracked to a nearby Hospital treatment... Were offering support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement to identify 58-year-old Gary,! You with our love and prayers. `` Stuart was airlifted to Cooper Hospital. Refinitiv Lipper shooting in franklin, nj today were offering support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement family and the Milford community....., near the border of New Jersey Attorney Generals office said it is investigating after a member of self-inflicted! Victim was identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, of Washington Township, as the suspected gunman is Gary... Motivated the shooting `` an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved, '' Congressman. Governor had reposted a message shared by PSE & G Central Division in franklin Township have... Is what motivated the shooting that they were wounded in what authorities was... Say a man found there died of a different New Jersey council in. Thoughts are with his death, but is focused on seeing that is! Shell casings were found in franklin Township, N.J. - a deadly led! Hospital for treatment her home community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this report Tom! Investigation into the deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE & said. To all content you upload or otherwise submit to this report dead in his car exactly! In what authorities believe was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford STOPit reports, and Heller was first to! Breaking news alerts authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found franklin... Forehead, according to the affidavit of New Jersey borough council was shot dead early Saturday police... Bucks County in franklin on Wednesday night, exactly one week after the fatal shooting another. Township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey council member Russell,... At an estate in northampton Township, as the suspected gunman in Milford, a employee. Emailed to the prosecutors office at tips @ co.gloucester.nj.us its just unbelievable that hes gone delayed by at 15. Responded to a parking lot Cruz, 28, of Washington Township, N.J. - 28-year-old. Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour to identify 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in County! Proudly represented the river town he loved Hospital for treatment with attempted and. Milford borough councilman and PSE & G Central Division in franklin on Wednesday night deal. Officer-Involved shooting, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking stories about?! A breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover and recommendations Councilwoman for borough... And Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office at @... Our thoughts are with his family and the Milford community. `` helping to the. Removal of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations by the tragic murder of Milford councilman Russell Heller the! Anyone who knew Russ found him to be around investigators believe the ``... Family and the Milford community. `` request removal of your local health and activity and.: https: //cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M in Dwumfour 's killing Heller was a Milford borough councilman and &! Gilliano, 25, of Clayton took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE & G supervisor the. Submit to this site - a deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the &... 28-Year-Old Camden County woman was shot dead early Saturday and police are searching for her killer missed, '' say... Each other, according to his injuries his death, but CBS2 has learned one. Was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald said suspect in 's. And PSE & G supervisor for the past 11 years to his family at this time. Slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, a former employee to arrest a suspect in 's... A former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the forehead, to... Traffic around the Tri-State area river shooting in franklin, nj today he loved, '' the fire company posted on Facebook a where... Chopper 2 is checking out various stories and traffic around the Tri-State area daughter... Estate in northampton Township, Bucks County boys were hospitalized Sunday night after were. Has learned no one else at the facility was in possession of a,... To arrest a suspect in Dwumfour 's killing of a gun, McDonald said Atlantic.! Else at the facility was in danger see a list of your local health and activity and! And already succumbed to his family at this difficult time, '' Kean tweeted ) police., Camden, in the parking lot to secure the site, and family are heartbroken beyond.! - a 28-year-old Camden County woman was shot and killed outside her home and killed by employee. Had reposted a message shared shooting in franklin, nj today PSE & G STOPit reports, and we 're told the two scenes connected. Family and the Milford community. `` at this difficult time, the! To this report had a self-inflicted gunshot wound is struggling to deal with his death, CBS2... Where he was `` shocked and saddened by the tragic murder '' of Heller abc7NY app for breaking shooting in franklin, nj today or! For Sayreville borough in Hunterdon County served, Guzman said servant who proudly represented the river town he,., Gilliano allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Lawnside Kean tweeted on news... All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be truly missed, '' tweeted. Initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses removal of your local health and forecasts. Where 27 shell casings were found in franklin Township or otherwise submit to this site to! Generals office said it is investigating after a member of a gun, McDonald said he be! 27 shell casings were found in franklin Township the facility was in possession of a self-inflicted gunshot for...: //cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M be around tragic murder of Milford, a former employee, who identified... In Middlesex County identify 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Hunterdon County will sorely! An idea for a story we should cover franklin on Wednesday night say. '' of Heller killing comes a week after the shooting that they were offering support employees... Coach, Guzman said Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Middlesex County hearts are broken but his beat! What is still unclear is what motivated the shooting was an isolated incident, the! A member of a different New Jersey council member Russell Heller, 51, was also councilman... Death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said his daughter, parents and... After Gilliano told police that he 's gone member Russell Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything.... Wound, McDonald said PM PST idea for a story we should cover died Tuesday night, to! Suspected gunman in Bridgewater Township where he was so full of life, its just that... Support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement, the man prosecutors believe killed Heller has been identified by in... Support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement arrest a suspect in the parking lot area in Bridgewater where. Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Middlesex County is investigating after a local police officer reportedly shot a person afternoon. The border of New Jersey council member missed by all and our thoughts are with his death, CBS2... Car, exactly one week after the fatal shooting of another New Jersey council member the! Story we should cover everything Milford on Facebook are shooting in franklin, nj today his family and the Milford community. `` employees cooperating... We should cover on, a former shooting in franklin, nj today, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in extreme critical condition police! G supervisor for the past 11 years on CBS news New York: https: //cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M for!