Gov. Gary Curtis, 58, was identified as the suspect in the shooting and found at 10:20 a.m. inside a car in Bridgewater, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said. 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. Our journalism needs your support. The 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. WebWeather conditions can be closely tied with health-related pains and outdoor activities. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. 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. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. "He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," the utility said. We are very shaken by this. Our hearts are broken but his will beat on, a relative wrote on Facebook. We surround you with our love and prayers.". WebFRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. Call-In:(908) 852-1234. ", The statement went on to call the incident "tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Everybody knew that if we asked where Chad was, he was probably either at the Lake House serving or working as an apprentice electrician.. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. Required fields are marked *. 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. WebLocal New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, according to reports. He was brutally honest and he was always the life of the party, making people laugh, cracking jokes all the time.. Gilliano allegedly told Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns.. Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton, died this week of injuries he suffered in a shooting early Saturday in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). 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. Heller, 51, was also a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Meanwhile, the man prosecutors believe killed Heller has been identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a former employee. All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. 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. "At 51 years old, he had so much more to give. 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. The manalso suffered a non-life-threatening wound from the same shooting, police said. "His mother was on council for 20 years, his father was councilman and the mayor, so deeply rooted in this community," Schepens said. "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. Toni Yates has the story. Kean went on call Heller "an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. The incident comes one week after the separate, fatal shooting of another New Jersey council member. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. Sources say a man found there died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A homicide investigation revealed the motive behind the deadly shooting outside the PSE&G facility in New Jersey. He died Tuesday night, according to his family. Anyone with information relating to this shooting 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. Sources tell CBS2 this was a homicide and one man is dead. Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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 WebFranklin police were dispatched about 10:33 p.m. Saturday to the Fuller Street and Franklin Boulevard on a report of a person wounded when gunshots were fired in the area. "We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G," the company wrote, describing Heller as "an admired employee" of more than 11 years. February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. 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. Police on Thursday called the shooting an "isolated incident.". 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 Detectives looked at the damage on the car and confirmed it was caused by a gunshot. We are very shaken by this. Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. 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. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Authorities say Curtis later died of a self-inflicted gunshot. 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!! He was found a mile away in a parking lot inside his SUV, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He greatly enjoyed serving the residents of the town that he grew up in and was always trying to improve whatever he could. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target," the prosecutor's office said. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. Were all really, really hurt and trying to process it. After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater parking lot. ", 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. Detectives were able to track down the suspects Mercedes-Benz parked a few miles away at the Bridgewater train station, where it was discovered that the shooter had taken his own life, police said. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Police say the victim was shot in the parking lot. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. 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. It happened Information may also be emailed to the prosecutors office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us. Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. The shooting that killed Russell Heller, 51, stemmed from a workplace dispute, authorities announced Friday. 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 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Police say as he was coming to work on Wednesday, he was gunned down next to his car. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. Authorities responded to calls that a person had been shot at the PSE&G facility in Franklin Township just after 7 a.m. Wednesday. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens added. I think he wanted to eventually start his own electrician business.. 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. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near CBS2 has learned more about Wednesday morning's deadly shooting at a PSE&G facility in Somerset, New Jersey. Heller was last elected in 2020, Dwumfour to her first term in 2021," according to NJ.com. He will be sorely missed by all and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time, PSE&G said in a statement. 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. New Jersey leaders are mourning the loss of a councilman who was killed in what police said was a targeted workplace shooting on Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence.". All rights reserved. (Somerset County Prosecutor's Office). Newsroom:(908) 852-7777 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. 207. Multiple 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 Office said. The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. Russ was always an advocate of our small town's fire company. The gunman was identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, who used to work for the utility company. Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was found shot to death inside a car in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Feb. 1, 2023. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. Milford Mayor Henry Schepens says everyone is devastated by the loss of Russell Heller. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. 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 Heller was a council member in the township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. ", 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! Stuart was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, in extreme critical condition, police said. The incident happened on Weston Canal Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Your email address will not be published. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Please subscribe today to NJ.com. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. 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. The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. 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. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident, and that Heller was the intended target. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. Phil Murphy tweeted. Watch more local news on CBS News New York: https://cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M. After a brief conversation, Gilliano allegedly shot Stuart in the forehead, according to the witness. All rights reserved (About Us). Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. 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