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. 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. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A deadly shooting took place Wednesday morning outside the PSE&G Central Division in Franklin Township. Heller, 51, was found shot dead outside his car, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And Milford loved him. There were no reported injuries but police found 27 shell casings in the area, said Robertson. Fox News Flash top headlines for February 9. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 6:09 PM No arrests have been announced in the case. Watch more local news on CBS News New York: https://cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M. Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was found in her SUV outside a Sayreville apartment complex with multiple gunshot wounds, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said; she was pronounced dead on scene. Officials have not released any details about the victim, but CBS2 has learned no one else at the facility was in danger. Hackettstown, NJ 07840 The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Information may also be emailed to the prosecutors office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us. The CBS New York team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSNewYork.com. 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. (Somerset County Prosecutor's Office). The killing comes one week after the slaying of Dwumfour, who was found dead in her vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. The gunman was identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, who used to work for the utility company. 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. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. 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. 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. The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said. Gilliano and Stuart were known to each other, according to the prosecutors office. 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. Family and friends are mourning Stuart and demanding justice. 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. ", "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean said. "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. Heller was a council member in the township of Milford, near the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 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. Authorities have revealed new details in the shooting. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. Pennsylvania police seized gloves, flashlight from home of Idaho murders suspect, FBI agents share never-before-heard details of deadly Waco siege, Volkswagen refused to track down stolen car with infant inside, Where things stand in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. 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. 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. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. Legal Statement. All rights reserved (About Us). If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. I think he wanted to eventually start his own electrician business.. "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. Investigators say a man was shot to death Wednesday morning in the parking lot of PSE&G's Central Division headquarters in Franklin Township. Download here. See a list of your local health and activity forecasts and recommendations. The bar was closed at the time of the incident, business operators confirmed. Heller was a hometown guy who cherished everything Milford. NJ.com reported that the mayor of Milford, Henri Schepens, said "its just unbelievable that hes gone. - The mother of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death. The vehicle crashed on Burnham Road causing damage to a property and a utility pole. Gilliano remains in Salem County Correctional Facility and is due back in court this week for a detention hearing. 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. We are very shaken by this.". Sayreville councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was shot and killed on Feb. 1 while sitting inside her SUV outside her home, police said. 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. 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." "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this," PSE&G said in a statement. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. The shooting that killed Russell Heller, 51, stemmed from a workplace dispute, authorities announced Friday. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office said it is investigating after a local police officer reportedly shot a person Monday afternoon in Atlantic County. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Russell Heller, 51, was shot in the parking lot of his employer on Wednesday. He was taking care of his parents, lives next door. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. Police suspect it was a gang "The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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 Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens told digital news content provider NJ.com. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township where he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 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. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com. The prosecutor's office believes it was a homicide. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? "Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County)," the statement read, according to CBS New York. 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. 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. Russ was always an advocate of our small town's fire company. Something like this has never happened in borough history. WebGet breaking Hunterdon County NJ local news, weather, events, sports and more from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Lebanon, Raritan and others. "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. CBS2 watched as Heller's car was towed away. The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. ", "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. The shooting was an isolated incident, the prosecutor said. Something like this has never happened in borough history. James Ricky Meade II, 26, of Chesterhill, Morgan County, pleaded guilty in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in December to one count of inciting to violence. Police are still searching for a motive for Heller's killing. A man shot in the head early Saturday outside of a closed bar in Gloucester County has died of his injuries, authorities confirmed Wednesday. This graphic shows the distance between the killings of local council members Russell Heller and Eunice Dwumfour in New Jersey. "The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family," Milford Mayor Henri Schepens added. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell He was 51 years old. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. On May 31, at around 10:26 p.m., township police officers responded to an area hospital for a wounded victim that was reportedly shot while in the area of Hamilton Street, Robertson said. WebWeather conditions can be closely tied with health-related pains and outdoor activities. Listen now to WTOP News WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene along with detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department to investigate. ", 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. A 911 call reported gunshots being fired around Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. A memorial service was held this week Eunice Dwumfour, the New Jersey councilwoman who was shot to death inside her car. Heller, a Republican, was first elected to the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020. 0:00. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community. 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 The firearm used in the parking lot shooting was recovered inside. Stuart was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, in extreme critical condition, police said. 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Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 8:37 PM CBS2 has learned more about Wednesday morning's deadly shooting at a PSE&G facility in Somerset, New Jersey. 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. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. 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. "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. Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was found shot to death inside a car in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Feb. 1, 2023. 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. PSE&G said after the shooting that they were offering support to employees and cooperating with law enforcement. 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. Kean went on call Heller "an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. Gilliano allegedly told Stuart and the witness that they better be gone when he returns.. Have a news tip? https://t.co/KITkU4G4aS. 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. Police have yet to arrest a suspect in Dwumfour's killing. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). Suspect, 18, charged with murder in Temple University officer's shooting death, DA says. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Heller was a Milford Borough councilman and PSE&G supervisor for the past 11 years. 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. 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