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. Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. All Rights Reserved. Chad was really funny, she said Wednesday. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell "My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". Fox News Flash top headlines for February 9. Police say as he was coming to work on Wednesday, he was gunned down next to his car. Everybody knew that if we asked where Chad was, he was probably either at the Lake House serving or working as an apprentice electrician.. Heller was a Milford Borough councilman and PSE&G supervisor for the past 11 years. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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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 If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 'We can't rest in peace': Franklin man's 2014 antifreeze-poisoning death remains a mystery. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department are conducting the investigation. Prosecutors did not provide details on the nature of that dispute. "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County)," the statement read, according to CBS New York. Please enter valid email address to continue. All rights reserved. Gilliano allegedly told Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns.. The governor had reposted a message shared by PSE&G. "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. Investigators say a man was shot to death Wednesday morning in the parking lot of PSE&G's Central Division headquarters in Franklin Township. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Russell Heller, 51, was shot in the parking lot of his employer on Wednesday. Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and Heller was the intended target. A homicide investigation revealed the motive behind the deadly shooting outside the PSE&G facility in New Jersey. Gov. Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Gilliano left the area, then returned and brandished a firearm, the witness told police. "The Milford Fire Company would also like to extend our condolences to the family of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. In addition to these jobs, he was also a basketball coach, Guzman noted. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 6:09 PM 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. Heller was a council member in the township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. Authorities have revealed new details in the shooting. Russell was an admired employee anda supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. FRANKLIN TWP. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. 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. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. 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. All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. 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. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around. Were all really, really hurt and trying to process it. Charges already filed against the alleged gunman were upgraded Wednesday to include murder, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. 0:45. Heller was the intended target, McDonald said, and authorities are still trying to determine a motive. Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. "He will be sorely missed by all, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," said PSE&G. Milford Mayor Henry Schepens says everyone is devastated by the loss of Russell Heller. Heller was found dead from a gunshot wound, police said. All rights reserved. He was brutally honest and he was always the life of the party, making people laugh, cracking jokes all the time.. 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 And Milford loved him. February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 8:37 PM Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. WebGet breaking Hunterdon County NJ local news, weather, events, sports and more from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Lebanon, Raritan and others. The shooting was an isolated incident, the prosecutor said. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around Legal Statement. The shooting that killed Russell Heller, 51, stemmed from a workplace dispute, authorities announced Friday. 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 Prosecutor: Gunman Surrenders In Franklin Township Shooting That Injured New Brunswick Man by Cecilia Levine A 45-year-old Somerset County man surrendered to authorities on attempted murder and weapons charges in connection with a May 31 shooting, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office announced Read More Police & "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. At least 12 more people were shot in the melee on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township around 11:50 p.m. Saturday. No clear motive or suspect has yet been identified by police in her death. Heller, 51, was also a councilman in Milford, a small borough in Hunterdon County. Hackettstown, NJ 07840 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. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene along with detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department to investigate. 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. Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report. 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. 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. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. New Jersey leaders are mourning the loss of a councilman who was killed in what police said was a targeted workplace shooting on Wednesday. Police say the victim was shot in the parking lot. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. We are very shaken by this.". 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 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. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this," PSE&G said in a statement. No clear motive or suspect has been identified by police in Dwumfour's death. 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. 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. Gilliano remains in Salem County Correctional Facility and is due back in court this week for a detention hearing. Curtis was in possession of a gun, McDonald said. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. He was working towards his goals. Information may also be emailed to the prosecutors office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller's family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence," New Jersey Gov. He will be truly missed," the fire company posted on Facebook. It's not yet clear if that was the person wanted in the PSE&G shooting. Investigators say it was due to a dispute over prior disciplinary actions between an employee and supervisor. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. 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. The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman 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 will be sorely missed by all in our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. He was taking care of his parents, lives next door. Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School. 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. After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Franklin 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. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. 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. CBS2 has learned more about Wednesday morning's deadly shooting at a PSE&G facility in Somerset, New Jersey. 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. PSE&G said it was "heartbroken" over the death of Heller, who had been a supervisor with the company for over 11 years. Stuart was an organ donor, the family noted, and his heart, lungs, kidney, liver and arteries were donated on Tuesday. It remains an ongoing homicide investigation. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. 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. "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. ", "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. Call-In:(908) 852-1234. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was found shot to death inside a car in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Feb. 1, 2023. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, allegedly shot Chad Stuart, 31, of Clayton. 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. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com. The incident comes one week after the separate, fatal shooting of another New Jersey council member. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Newsroom:(908) 852-7777 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. New alleged details about the shooting were included in an updated affidavit of probable included with the murder charge filed Wednesday. 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.