Stuart was an organ donor, the family noted, and his heart, lungs, kidney, liver and arteries were donated on Tuesday. There was heavy police presence following the shootings at Tunnel Way; Linden Street; Benwood Avenue near 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. Meanwhile, the man prosecutors believe killed Heller has been identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis, a former employee. 0:00. Authorities have revealed new details in the shooting. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Download here. Authorities investigate alleged shooting in Somerset County. 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. 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 victim, a township woman, suffered a gunshot wound while walkingto a home during a party, police said. 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. Watch more local news on CBS News New York: https://cbsn.ws/3Uycq1M. Prosecutors did not provide details on the nature of that dispute. WebPublished Apr 5, 2021. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. He greatly enjoyed serving the residents of the town that he grew up in and was always trying to improve whatever he could. / CBS New York. Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was found shot to death inside a car in Sayreville, New Jersey, on Feb. 1, 2023. Heller leaves behind a 19-year-old daughter and was one of seven siblings. 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. ALSO READ | Crime increasing in area of East NY officer-involved shooting, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. "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. 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. "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. ", "Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved," Kean said. Just a local great guy," he said. NJ.com reported that the mayor of Milford, Henri Schepens, said "its just unbelievable that hes gone. "The investigation has revealed that the shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target," the prosecutor's office said. We are very shaken by this. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation. "This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Our mayor and fellow council people are devastated. 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. 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. "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. Charges already filed against the alleged gunman were upgraded Wednesday to include murder, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office. ", The statement went on to call the incident "tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. 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. A Somerset man said he was driving north on Phillips Road toward Baier Avenue when he heard multiple "pops," which he initially thought were fireworks, according to Robertson. Questions about the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.. 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. 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. - The mother of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death. Dwumfour sustained multiple gunshot wounds in her SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. 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 material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, First published on February 9, 2023 / 10:26 AM. All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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"Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). They call the shooting "an isolated incident," and say Heller was the intended target. 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 With assistance from Bridgewater officers, detectives approached the vehicle and saw he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McDonald said. Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. 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!! You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! "Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". Stuart was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, in extreme critical condition, police said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Investigators say a man was shot to death Wednesday morning in the parking lot of PSE&G's Central Division headquarters in Franklin Township. Heller's death comes one week after the fatal shooting of Eunice Dwumfour, a Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Middlesex County. February 28, 2023, 10:16 PM. Others are remembering Heller as a perfect gentleman and committed councilman. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. Your email address will not be published. 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. WebGet breaking Hunterdon County NJ local news, weather, events, sports and more from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Lebanon, Raritan and others. 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. And Milford loved him. 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. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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 governor had reposted a message shared by PSE&G. 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 After hearing something hit his car, which had another Somerset man inside, he realized that it was gunshots, said Robertson. Russ was always an advocate of our small town's fire company. Three hours later, detectives were able to track Curtis to the Bridgewater parking lot. All employees are safe and there's no further danger, sources say. Authorities say 51-year-old Russell Heller was shot and killed by former employee, 58-year-old Gary Curtis, in the parking lot. She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. In addition to these jobs, he was also a basketball coach, Guzman noted. 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. 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 prosecutor's office believes it was a homicide. LINDEN, N.J. Authorities say four people were dead following a shooting in New Jersey, and the suspected gunman is believed to be among the deceased. PSE&G issued the following statement on the shooting: We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G. A handgun revolver recovered from the scene was legally registered to Curtis, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. The bar was closed at the time of the incident, business operators confirmed. Our hearts are broken but his will beat on, a relative wrote on Facebook. 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