Heller was last elected in 2020, Dwumfour to her first term in 2021," according to NJ.com. Published Apr 5, 2021. "My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The Somerset County prosecutor's office released the following statement Thursday morning: "Investigators with the Somerset County Prosecutor's 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 (Somerset County), New Jersey. The PSE&G facility, the central division headquarters in Somerset, is a busy hub, but activity was brought to a standstill following the shooting. The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. "He will be sorely missed by all, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," said PSE&G. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Your email address will not be published. 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. PSE&G said it was "heartbroken" over the death of Heller, who had been a supervisor with the company for over 11 years. Chad was really funny, she said Wednesday. Anyone with information is asked 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. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. Franklin Township Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this," PSE&G said in a statement. 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. When they arrived, the responding officers found Heller had suffered a gunshot wound and already succumbed to his injuries. We are very shaken by this. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said it is investigating after a local police officer reportedly shot a person Monday afternoon in Atlantic County. The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). ", 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. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Curtis was reportedly a former PSE&G employee who allegedly shot Heller before taking off and driving to Bridgewater, where he killed himself. / CBS New York. Russell was an admired employee anda supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Others are remembering Heller as a perfect gentleman and committed councilman. Get Directions, Phone:(908) 850-1000 We hope these memories bring a smile as we grieve and heal together, the post concluded. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. "Both slain council members were elected Republicans. Were all really, really hurt and trying to process it. 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. 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. Chopper 2 is checking out various stories and traffic around the Tri-State Area. 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. Police called to the scene found 51-year-old Senior Distribution Supervisor Russell Heller dead from a gunshot wound in the parking lot outside the facility. 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. Call-In:(908) 852-1234. The Milford Merchants Association also released a statement: "There simply are no words for the tragedy that took place yesterday as our well-loved, kind, hardworking councilman was killed as he arrived at work. She expressed appreciation for the support the family has received from all of those who knew her brother. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. 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. Heller, 51, was found shot dead outside his car, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Market data provided by Factset. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the police department. 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. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE&G Central Division in Franklin Township. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. Officers located a Glock 19 handgun at the shooting scene and a spent .9mm bullet casing near Gillianos vehicle, police said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 0:45. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and that Heller was the intended target. The CBS New York team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSNewYork.com. Heller was a Milford Borough councilman and PSE&G supervisor for the past 11 years. They call the shooting "an isolated incident," and say Heller was the intended target. 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. Responding officers identified the victim as Russell Heller, 51, of Milford, N.J. Heller worked for PSE&G at the Somerset compound. With assistance from Bridgewater officers, detectives approached the vehicle and saw he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald said. Something like this has never happened in borough history. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. All rights reserved. Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. Heller was the intended target, McDonald said, and authorities are still trying to determine a motive. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. In a news release Friday afternoon, the prosecutor's office reported that investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an employment dispute. 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 Bridgewater Police are helping to secure the site, and we're told the two scenes are connected. The victim, a township woman, suffered a gunshot wound while walkingto a home during a party, police said. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," the utility said. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. This graphic shows the distance between the killings of local council members Russell Heller and Eunice Dwumfour in New Jersey. Heller was a council member in the township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The prosecutor's office believes it was a homicide. Kyle Mazza / AP. This was the second councilperson to die by gun violence within a week in the Garden State. Required fields are marked *. 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. "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. Sources say a man found there died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The governor had reposted a message shared by PSE&G. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). WebFRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) Authorities are investigating into a shooting that may have occurred in the area of Hamilton Street on Monday night in 0:00. Our Police are still searching for a motive for Heller's killing. Gilliano and Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office. 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. He was found a mile away in a parking lot inside his SUV, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. 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 Authorities responded to calls that a person had been shot at the PSE&G facility in Franklin Township just after 7 a.m. Wednesday. It remains an ongoing homicide investigation. 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. 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. 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. Newsroom:(908) 852-7777 or redistributed. - The mother of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. All rights reserved (About Us). Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. The vehicle was covered with a blue tarp for much of the afternoon as investigators in hazmat suits went in and out of the car. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. A motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report. Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was found shot to death inside a car in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Feb. 1, 2023. "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. I think he wanted to eventually start his own electrician business.. "He was so full of life, it's just unbelievable that he's gone. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. The victim, 51-year-old Russell Heller, had worked with PSE&G for the last 11 years as a supervisor. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene along with detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department to investigate. MyCentralJersey.com seeks public records in Sayreville councilwoman's killing, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A rising star for local Republicans who won an upset victory for her council seat in Sayreville in 2021 and an IT professional by trade, Dwumfour recently finished her first term on the Sayreville Borough Council. 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. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. 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 Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. Stuart was remembered at the Lake House restaurant as an amazing server, friend, baker, spontaneous singer, and goofy dancer with an infectious smile! according to a Facebook post, which included several photos of him. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A man shot in the head early Saturday outside of a closed bar in Gloucester County has died of his injuries, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The manalso suffered a non-life-threatening wound from the same shooting, police said. 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. Authorities say Curtis then drove to another parking lot in Bridgewater Township and shot himself. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. He was 51 years old. PSE&G said after the shooting that they were offering support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township where he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence.". "The Milford Fire Company would also like to extend our condolences to the family of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Police on Thursday called the shooting an "isolated incident.". The shooting occurred at about 207. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said. Police suspect it was a gang A handgun revolver recovered from the scene was legally registered to Curtis, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. 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!! I think the only thing thats keeping us together is going through the whole investigation process and making sure that we get justice for my brother, she said. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. 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. 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. 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. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. Phil Murphy tweeted. 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. 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. 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