You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! New alleged details about the shooting were included in an updated affidavit of probable included with the murder charge filed Wednesday. Call-In:(908) 852-1234. Curtis, a former employee at PSE&G, was found dead several hours later from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. 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!! Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. A memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, the New Jersey councilwoman who was shot to death inside her car. ", 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. "There's no words to describe the loss and sadness that this town is feeling right now, and his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens said. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Police have yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour's killing. It happened 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. WebPublished Apr 5, 2021. See a list of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations. At least 12 more people were shot in the melee on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township around 11:50 p.m. Saturday. "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County)," the statement read, according to CBS New York. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. 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. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene along with detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department to investigate. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. WebGet breaking Hunterdon County NJ local news, weather, events, sports and more from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Lebanon, Raritan and others. Jay has been a guest on Americas Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion. We are very shaken by this. Police suspect it was a gang She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). Officers were dispatched to the facility on a 911 call, the Franklin Township Police Department said in a news release. The victim sustained a There were no reported injuries but police found 27 shell casings in the area, said Robertson. 207. 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. Officers discovered the suspect's body inside his car, which was traced to a parking lot in the neighboring township. In a statement Wednesday night, Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Zachary Rich said the Board joins its colleagues in Milford in offering its "sincere condolences to the Heller Family at this unimaginably difficult time for their tragic loss. For now, what is still unclear is what motivated the shooting. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! We are very shaken by this.". The governor had reposted a message shared by PSE&G. Market data provided by Factset. They call the shooting "an isolated incident," and say Heller was the intended target. FRANKLIN (Somerset) Police are investigating after a township woman and an Edison man suffered non-life-threatening gunshot injuries Saturday night in the area of Fuller Street and Franklin Boulevard. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to contact prosecutors office Detective Eric Bailey at 856-384-5685 or Franklin Township Police Detective Alex Fragoso at 856-694-1415, ext. Your email address will not be published. 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. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near He was taking care of his parents, lives next door. Heller was the intended target, McDonald said, and authorities are still trying to determine a motive. Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. He greatly enjoyed serving the residents of the town that he grew up in and was always trying to improve whatever he could. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100,the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. Chopper 2 is checking out various stories and traffic around the Tri-State Area. Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. Meanwhile, the man prosecutors believe killed Heller has been identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a former employee. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Toni Yates has the story. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Questions about the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.. ", U.S. Rep. Tom Kean said in a Facebook post that he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of 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 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. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. Officers located a Glock 19 handgun at the shooting scene and a spent .9mm bullet casing near Gillianos vehicle, police said. In a news release Friday afternoon, the prosecutor's office reported that investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an employment dispute. 0:00. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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The vehicle crashed on Burnham Road causing damage to a property and a utility pole. 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. 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. The shooting was an isolated incident, the prosecutor 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. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation. February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. He really wanted to buy a house. He will be truly missed," the fire company posted on Facebook. A former employee, who authorities identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, approached Heller and shot him outside of his vehicle, officials said. Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. WebGov. The incident comes one week after the separate, fatal shooting of another New Jersey council member. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Something like this has never happened in borough history. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target," the prosecutor's office said. 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