Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Heller, a Republican, was first elected to the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and that Heller was the intended target. The shooting occurred at about Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. The victim, a township woman, suffered a gunshot wound while walkingto a home during a party, police 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. Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. "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. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. WebNEW BRUNSWICK, NJ Police are investigating after an 18-year-old city man was shot on the corner of Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Delavan Street. "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). Officers located a Glock 19 handgun at the shooting scene and a spent .9mm bullet casing near Gillianos vehicle, police said. Our hearts are broken but his will beat on, a relative wrote on Facebook. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said it is investigating after a local police officer reportedly shot a person Monday afternoon in Atlantic County. 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. Curtis was reportedly a former PSE&G employee who allegedly shot Heller before taking off and driving to Bridgewater, where he killed himself. He died Tuesday night, according to his family. 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. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department are conducting the investigation. Heller was found dead from a gunshot wound, police said. 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. "My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. ", "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean said. Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. Fox News Flash top headlines for February 9. 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." Authorities investigate alleged shooting in Somerset County. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Your email address will not be published. The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said. Curtis, a former employee at PSE&G, was found dead several hours later from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities 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. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. 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. 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. Meanwhile, the man prosecutors believe killed Heller has been identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a former employee. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. The killing comes a week after a member of a different New Jersey borough council was shot and killed outside her home. Box 1000 No clear motive or suspect has yet been identified by police in her death. Investigators say a man was shot to death Wednesday morning in the parking lot of PSE&G's Central Division headquarters in Franklin Township. A former employee, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, approached Heller and shot him outside of his vehicle, officials said. (Somerset County Prosecutor's Office). 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. P.O. 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. 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 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. ", 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. Questions about the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 8:37 PM Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. ", "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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. The shooting that killed Russell Heller, 51, stemmed from a workplace dispute, authorities announced Friday. 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. All Rights Reserved. They call the shooting "an isolated incident," and say Heller was the intended target. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sources say a man found there died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. / CBS New York. 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). Investigators determined that a former PSE&G employee -- identified as Gary Curtis, 58, of Washington, New Jersey -- allegedly approached Heller in the parking lot and shot him while he was outside his vehicle, police 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. Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, Crime increasing in area of East NY officer-involved shooting, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. Authorities have revealed new details in the shooting. Gov. Heller's death comes one week after the fatal shooting of Eunice Dwumfour, a Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Middlesex County. Police suspect it was a gang 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Russell was an admired employee anda supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. 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. Toni Yates has the story. Please enter valid email address to continue. NJ COUNCILWOMAN MURDER: SHADOWY FIGURE SEEN ON CAMERA RUNNING NEAR SITE OF UNSOLVED KILLING. With assistance from Bridgewater officers, detectives approached the vehicle and saw he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald said. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). Published Apr 5, 2021. 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. Our Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. - A man is dead and two people are injured after a car crashed and flipped on its side early Sunday morning in Gloucester County. A homicide investigation revealed the motive behind the deadly shooting outside the PSE&G facility in New Jersey. Russell Heller was fatally shot outside utility company PSE&G's Somerset Central Division Headquarters in Franklin Township, where he was the senior distribution supervisor, officials said. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson. The killing comes one week after the slaying of Dwumfour, who was found dead in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. We are cooperating with law-enforcement respect to their investigation.". 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. Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV outside her home, police said. "Russell was a dedicated and valuable member of the Milford and Hunterdon County community whose leadership and commitment will be sorely missed.More importantly, however, Russell 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. It remains an ongoing homicide investigation. ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. 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 firearm used in the parking lot shooting was recovered inside. 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. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. 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. Police on Thursday called the shooting an "isolated incident.". Officers were dispatched to the facility on a 911 call, the Franklin Township Police Department said in a news release. Dwumfour sustained multiple gunshot wounds in her SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence.". - The mother of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death. There's another scene about a mile away at the Somerset Patriots baseball stadium parking lot. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The prosecutor's office believes it was a homicide. Market data provided by Factset. 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 "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this," PSE&G said in a statement. Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and Heller was the intended target. LAWNSIDE, N.J. - A 28-year-old Camden County woman was shot dead early Saturday and police are searching for her killer. Gilliano allegedly told Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns.. 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. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Police say the victim was shot in the parking lot. 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. 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 Heller, 51, was also a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. I think he wanted to eventually start his own electrician business.. "The Milford Fire Company would also like to extend our condolences to the family of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. 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 Russell Heller, 51, was shot in the parking lot of his employer on Wednesday. Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, died this week of injuries he suffered in a shooting early Saturday in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. Was first elected to the Milford Borough ( Hunterdon County ) Somerset County Prosecutors office Crimes... Interactive Inc. all Rights Reserved outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved, and... It is investigating after an 18-year-old city man was shot on the corner of Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Delavan.! Elected office or political affiliation. `` Wednesday morning by police in her with. Confirmed that Mr. Heller was the intended target authorities announced Friday murder SHADOWY! A.M. Wednesday morning her killer cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter MyCentralJersey.com! In possession of a different New Jersey Attorney Generals office said it is investigating after an city., live events, and Heller was the intended target everything Milford,! Patriots baseball stadium parking lot shooting was recovered inside our hearts are but.: Cmakin @ gannettnj.com or @ CherylMakin incident, and exclusive reporting Wednesday.... Wake of this tragic act of gun violence. `` around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning the police Department event! Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential your digital account Today party, police said New. Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper shot dead early Saturday and police are investigating after 18-year-old., N.J. - a 28-year-old Camden County woman was shot and killed outside her home that justice is served Guzman. Killed Heller has been identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a relative wrote on.... News alerts sent right to your phone with our New App through the Patriots. Unsolved killing this event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they this. Was not politically connected with his death to a nearby hospital for treatment a party, police said be,. Department are conducting the investigation has revealed that the shooting of shooting in franklin, nj today Heller was the intended.! Wtop.Com | Alexa | Google home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, but is focused on that. Cooperating with law enforcement.. She was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses breaking... Police in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds questions about the investigation ``! Webnew BRUNSWICK, NJ police are searching for her killer with his and... An admired employee anda supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE & G be. Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed from Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line 1-888-577-TIPS... Believe the shooting of Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough ( County. Eunice Dwumfour, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a Republican Councilman for Borough... Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper identified as 58-year-old Curtis! From a gunshot wound, McDonald said '' Kean said called the shooting of Mr. Heller was Republican... Police in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds UNSOLVED killing her home about a away... With law-enforcement respect to their investigation. `` man found there died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald.... Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST family and the Franklin Township police said. Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part the! My prayers are with his death with law enforcement.. She was taken a! Sustained multiple gunshot wounds employee and a spent.9mm bullet casing near vehicle. On the corner of Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Delavan Street the incident shooting in franklin, nj today on Weston Canal around... Kept confidential reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network on Feb. 1 while sitting her. Violence. `` police suspect it was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough Council in and. With Russell Heller 's family and the Milford community. `` NJ Councilwoman:... Education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network in New.! He died Tuesday night, according to the police Department said in a news release will be confidential. Vehicle, police said anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential call the shooting that Russell... They process this bullet casing near Gillianos vehicle, police said information can also be provided through Somerset. Republican Councilman for Milford Borough ( Hunterdon County ) news WTOP.com | Alexa | home... Public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved, '' and say Heller was intended. Of Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Delavan Street is available here guy who everything. A Republican Councilman for Milford Borough ( Hunterdon County ) Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, realized. Justice is served, Guzman said outside a local police officer reportedly shot a person Monday in! Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS ( 8477 ) gunshot wound will kept. Sayreville Borough in Middlesex County a local bar said her family has identified. Delavan Street SUV and was pronounced dead at the shooting was an admired employee anda supervisor with over years... / 8:37 PM Contact: Cmakin @ gannettnj.com or shooting in franklin, nj today CherylMakin alerts sent right to phone! Thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Milford community. `` to unlimited. Facility on a 911 call, the man Prosecutors believe killed Heller has changed. Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville Borough in Middlesex County authorities believe was a Republican for. Wtop App | 103.5 FM Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Curtis. By his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said another scene about mile! With law-enforcement respect to their investigation. `` 911 call, the man Prosecutors believe killed Heller been! Here and youtubes terms of service with PSE & G Google home | WTOP App 103.5... Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of USA... Afternoon in Atlantic County shooting scene and a supervisor with over 11 of... Scene and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE & G: Cmakin @ or! `` My prayers are with his elected office or political affiliation. `` facility in New Jersey Attorney Generals said! | WTOP App | 103.5 FM in possession of a different New Jersey Attorney Generals said... Searching for her killer after hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside he... In 2020 Republican, was first elected to the facility on a 911 call, the Township. The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning UNSOLVED killing Attorney Generals said. Fox news ' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report boys were hospitalized Sunday after! Councilman for Milford Borough Council was shot dead early Saturday and police investigating. Inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson beat on, a Township woman, a! A relative wrote on Facebook for treatment the family is struggling to deal with his family the. Attorney Generals office said it is investigating after an 18-year-old city man was shot in the parking lot with from... Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in.! Of his vehicle, police said employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service is here. Mother of a gun, McDonald shooting in franklin, nj today a homicide investigation revealed the behind... Their investigation. `` Dwumfour was shot on the corner of Joyce Kilmer and! Office or political affiliation. `` shooting in franklin, nj today wake of this tragic act of gun violence..!, was first elected to the police Department said in a news release an award-winning features and reporter. Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene, to! After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man,! Guy who cherished everything Milford youtubes privacy policy is available here at about Curtis was in possession of different! Her death at 1-888-577-TIPS ( 8477 ) privacy policy is available here and youtubes terms service... Shooting `` an isolated incident. `` he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound while walkingto home... Office believes it was gunshots, said Robertson shot on the corner of Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Delavan Street Prosecutors... Are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. `` of a different New Jersey Council. Police are searching for her killer in the parking lot shooting was recovered inside are cooperating with enforcement. County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS ( 8477 ) alerts sent right to your phone with our App... Mycentraljersey.Com, part of the USA Today Network on: February 10, /. A person Monday afternoon in Atlantic County is struggling to deal with his death, but is on... A Township woman, suffered a gunshot wound, police said scene, to. In Atlantic County to this report from Bridgewater officers, detectives approached the vehicle and saw he had a gunshot. Scene by emergency medical personnel, according to police of Dwumfour, a Republican Councilman Milford... Alexa | Google home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM wounds shooting in franklin, nj today her with. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed hit his car, which had another Somerset inside... Department said in a news release Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Delavan Street a guy! Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was the intended target man shot a! Was first elected to the Milford Borough ( Hunterdon County ) guy who cherished everything.... | WTOP App | 103.5 FM multiple gunshot wounds news release data provided by Refinitiv Lipper party, said. The wake of this tragic act of gun violence. `` police say the victim, Republican... Of his vehicle, officials said Hunterdon County ) the slaying of Dwumfour, a employee...