"He was so full of life, it's just unbelievable that he's gone. 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. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. Investigators are trying to figure out a motive for the shooting and it is undetermined if the man or car were the intended targets, said Robertson. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near (Somerset County Prosecutor's Office). For the second time in a week, a local New Jersey council member was shot and killed, according to officials, this time in what police said appeared to be a murder-suicide by a former employee at a PSE&G facility. For now, what is still unclear is what motivated the shooting. Just a local great guy," he said. 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. Have a news tip? All rights reserved. The vehicle crashed on Burnham Road causing damage to a property and a utility pole. A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around 11 p.m. in the area of Baier Avenue and Phillips Road, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson. I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. When they arrived, the responding officers found Heller had suffered a gunshot wound and already succumbed to his injuries. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. New alleged details about the shooting were included in an updated affidavit of probable included with the murder charge filed Wednesday. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Dwumfour, 30, was the first Black person elected to office in the township on the state's eastern edge. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". 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. Authorities say Curtis then drove to another parking lot in Bridgewater Township and shot himself. The manalso suffered a non-life-threatening wound from the same shooting, police said. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. Heller, 51, was found shot dead outside his car, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Chopper 2 is checking out various stories and traffic around the Tri-State Area. Police suspect it was a gang Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and that Heller was the intended target. Jay has been a guest on Americas Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Our journalism needs your support. 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. Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. Gilliano left the area, then returned and brandished a firearm, the witness told police. In addition to working as a server at the Lake House restaurant in Franklin Township, Stuart wanted to pursue a career as an electrician, Guzman said. He was 51 years old. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. 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. "The Milford Fire Company would also like to extend our condolences to the family of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. 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 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. 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. The PSE&G supervisor gunned down by an employee at work was a Milford Councilman in Hunterdon County, officials announced. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. 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. The killing comes a week after a member of a different New Jersey borough council was shot and killed outside her home. WebSOMERSET, NJ Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a barbershop in the Somerset section of Franklin Township following a two 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. A man shot in the head early Saturday outside of a closed bar in Gloucester County has died of his injuries, authorities confirmed Wednesday. A memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, the New Jersey councilwoman who was shot to death inside her car. PSE&G said after the shooting that they were offering support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. 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. Something like this has never happened in borough history. See a list of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations. Toni Yates has the story. 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. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The Milford Merchants Association and Milford Fire Company Station 92 shared their condolences about Councilman Heller's death on social media. 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." ", U.S. Rep. Tom Kean said in a Facebook post that he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. Chad was really funny, she said Wednesday. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Questions about the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.. We are very shaken by this. ", Rep. Tom Kean Jr. said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Curtis, a former employee at PSE&G, was found dead several hours later from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. ", "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. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Kyle Mazza / AP. He was taking care of his parents, lives next door. ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. 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 Hackettstown, NJ 07840 The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Investigators determined that the shooting was not connected with Heller's "elected office or political affiliation," Deputy Chief Frank Roman Jr. with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement Thursday. Police have yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour's killing. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. Watch more local news on CBS News New York: https://cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M. Gilliano and Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office. Gilliano remains in Salem County Correctional Facility and is due back in court this week for a detention hearing. First published on February 9, 2023 / 10:26 AM. According to Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, the shooting took place at around 7 a.m. in the parking lot of PSE&G on Weston Canal Road. 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!! ", 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. Market data provided by Factset. 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. 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. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. 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. The alleged motive was determined to be "prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor," the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said in an update on Friday. Authorities investigate alleged shooting in Somerset County. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens said in a statement. Heller was last elected in 2020, Dwumfour to her first term in 2021," according to NJ.com. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. (Fox News). NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean tweeted. 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. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around. A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation.". 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. 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. 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 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 died Tuesday night, according to his family. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. WebWalter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, following an argument outside of Villaris Sports Bar on Coles Mill Road in Franklin Township. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, following an argument outside of Villaris Sports Bar on Coles Mill Road in Franklin Township. Stuart was an organ donor, the family noted, and his heart, lungs, kidney, liver and arteries were donated on Tuesday. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Franklin Township Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot. Kean went on call Heller "an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. Officers located a Glock 19 handgun at the shooting scene and a spent .9mm bullet casing near Gillianos vehicle, police said. ", 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. Russell Heller, 51, was shot in the parking lot of his employer on Wednesday. WebMultiple 911 calls started coming in just after 7 a.m. Wednesday reported a person had been shot at the PSE&G facility in Franklin Township, the Somerset County Prosecutor's "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens added. We hope these memories bring a smile as we grieve and heal together, the post concluded. Heller's death comes one week after the fatal shooting of Eunice Dwumfour, a Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Middlesex County. 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. 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. There's another scene about a mile away at the Somerset Patriots baseball stadium parking lot. Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV outside her home, police said. 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