Legal Statement. No arrests have been announced in the case. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. "He will be sorely missed by all, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," said PSE&G. Carrier Clinic, WEBINAR: Learn About Wills, Living Trusts and Nursing Home Asset Protection, Now Hiring Front Counter Sales/Business Development, Tax Relief, Debt Service, Transit Fare Freeze: 3 NJ Budget Takeaways, An Abandoned Cat's Rescue Featured In Somerset County Children's Book, Court Denies Appeal: Parents' Comments To Be Used In Bound Brook Trial, 'Miracle' Superstorm Sandy Baby Celebrates 10th Birthday In Montgomery, Latin Roots Mixed With Italian Flair Form Unique Hillsborough Pizzeria, Father, Son Duo Expand Milk Delivery Service Into Hillsborough, $4,600 Raised By Hillsborough Girl For Charity In Teacher's Honor, Young Bald Eagle Takes First Flight At Duke Farms. 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. ", The statement went on to call the incident "tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Kean went on call Heller "an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. 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 The victim, 51-year-old Russell Heller, had worked with PSE&G for the last 11 years as a supervisor. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Required fields are marked *. Police have yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour's killing. 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"Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County)," the statement read, according to CBS New York. "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. Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. Milford Mayor Henry Schepens says everyone is devastated by the loss of Russell Heller. 0:00. 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. Gilliano then called 911 and reported that he had just shot someone in the head and was in the process of performing life saving measures (CPR), police stated in the affidavit. All employees are safe and there's no further danger, sources say. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. With assistance from Bridgewater officers, detectives approached the vehicle and saw he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald said. He greatly enjoyed serving the residents of the town that he grew up in and was always trying to improve whatever he could. Police are still searching for a motive for Heller's killing. 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. WebThe mission of the Franklin Township Police Department is to protect and enhance the quality of life via a Community Policing Operational Philosophy, through a partnership with the community, and to promote a safe and secure environment, free from crime and the fear of crime, for all who live, work or visit our community. Franklin Township Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot. Meanwhile, the man prosecutors believe killed Heller has been identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a former employee. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. 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. Officers responded to the scene around 4:45 a.m. Saturday and found Gilliano rendering aid to Stuart, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by police. Matt Gray may be reached at [email protected]. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. WebRoy Jackel Jr., 42, of Cape May Court House: A Franklin Township, Gloucester County, police officer shot Jackel on April 5, 2021, in Buena Vista after he ran toward police with Police on Thursday called the shooting an "isolated incident.". Authorities have revealed new details in the shooting. 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. Jay has been a guest on Americas Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion. He was taking care of his parents, lives next door. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Gilliano left the area, then returned and brandished a firearm, the witness told police. Toni Yates has the story. The bar was closed at the time of the incident, business operators confirmed. ", 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. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! All rights reserved (About Us). 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!! The prosecutor's office in Somerset County said in a statement Thursday morning that the deadly shooting was not politically motivated, CBS New York reported. "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. PSE&G said it was "heartbroken" over the death of Heller, who had been a supervisor with the company for over 11 years. Investigators say it was due to a dispute over prior disciplinary actions between an employee and supervisor. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. 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 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. Russell Heller is shown in this undated photo. WebA Gloucester County man has been indicted for allegedly shooting a neighbor dead during a dispute over a loose dog, authorities said.Zachary A. Lahneman, 27, of Turnersville, is accused of killing Victor Marrero, Jr., 39, in the Birches apartments' parking lot on Nov. 16, 2022, according to the Glo GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ 3 HOURS AGO 4 Comment Email [email protected]. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Dwumfour -- the mother of a 12-year-old daughter and leader of her church -- was elected into office in 2021 and worked as a business analyst and part-time emergency medical technician. Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at approximately 3:58 a.m., Franklin Township Police officers were dispatched to the area of Elizabeth Street in New Brunswick for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while in the area of Hamilton Street and Franklin Boulevard in Franklin Township. WebAt around 8:30 a.m. Franklin County Sheriffs deputies and Madison Township police responded to a shooting near the 5400 block of Newport Road in the Blacklick Estates Your email address will not be published. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. LAWNSIDE, N.J. - A 28-year-old Camden County woman was shot dead early Saturday and police are searching for her killer. "So positive, always had a smile and always made any situation better.". The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. 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. A homicide investigation revealed the motive behind the deadly shooting outside the PSE&G facility in New Jersey. Authorities responded to calls that a person had been shot at the PSE&G facility in Franklin Township just after 7 a.m. Wednesday. Market data provided by Factset. Phil Murphy tweeted. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. He was a really hard worker. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. The victim, a New Brunswick resident, was located in the area of Hamilton Street and Matilda Avenue by an unidentified individual and transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, Robertson said. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens added. 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. WebWeather conditions can be closely tied with health-related pains and outdoor activities. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Everybody knew that if we asked where Chad was, he was probably either at the Lake House serving or working as an apprentice electrician.. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. We are very shaken by this.". 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. 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. Heller was found dead from a gunshot wound, police said. Stuart was an organ donor, the family noted, and his heart, lungs, kidney, liver and arteries were donated on Tuesday. The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said. P.O. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. The 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. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. The shooting was an isolated incident, the prosecutor said. 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). STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. The governor had reposted a message shared by PSE&G. Heller leaves behind a 19-year-old daughter and was one of seven siblings. Authorities say Curtis then drove to another parking lot in Bridgewater Township and shot himself. I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. For now, what is still unclear is what motivated the shooting. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The Milford Merchants Association and Milford Fire Company Station 92 shared their condolences about Councilman Heller's death on social media. "He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," the utility said. It's not yet clear if that was the person wanted in the PSE&G shooting. 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. A former employee, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, approached Heller and shot him outside of his vehicle, officials said. The Franklin Township Police Department and Somerset County Prosecutor's Office found the victim dead from a gunshot wound. 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. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson. A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. 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 Legal Statement. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Police say as he was coming to work on Wednesday, he was gunned down next to his car. Were all really, really hurt and trying to process it. Heller, 51, was also a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. Authorities are asking anyone with information relating to the homicide to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. He was 51 years old. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Hackettstown, NJ 07840 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. Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. See a list of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations. The CBS New York team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSNewYork.com. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this," PSE&G said in a statement. 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. ", 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. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. The firearm used in the parking lot shooting was recovered inside. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A handgun revolver recovered from the scene was legally registered to Curtis, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. "Both slain council members were elected Republicans. "The Milford Fire Company would also like to extend our condolences to the family of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. He will be sorely missed by all in our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. He was one of four kids, said his younger sister, Mikaela Guzman, who recalled her brother for his great sense of humor and strong work ethic. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens told digital news content provider NJ.com. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Charges already filed against the alleged gunman were upgraded Wednesday to include murder, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office. Call-In:(908) 852-1234. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. 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. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. New alleged details about the shooting were included in an updated affidavit of probable included with the murder charge filed Wednesday. It happened WebPublished Apr 5, 2021. 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