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Grand Jury

Man Killed In Jersey City Police Shootout ID'd: AG Man Killed In Jersey City Police Shootout ID'd: AG
Man Killed In Jersey City Police Shootout ID'd: AG A 26-year-old Jersey City man has been identified as the man fatally shot in a shootout with police, authorities announced Friday, Sept. 12. On Friday, Sept. 5, Steven Sanchez exchanged gunfire with Jersey City Police Sgt. Ricardo Reyes on John F. Kennedy Boulevard near the intersection of Clinton Avenue, New Jersey attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Sanchez was transferred to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later that evening, Platkin said. Reyes sustained a non-life-threatening injury, Platkin said. A compressed air pistol was recovered at the scene, Platkin …
Wayne Police Lieutenant Shot Sword-Wielding Man, Grand Jury Says It Was Justified (VIDEO) Wayne Police Lieutenant Shot Sword-Wielding Man, Grand Jury Says It Was Justified (VIDEO)
Wayne Police Lieutenant Shot Sword-Wielding Man, Grand Jury Says It Was Justified (Video) A Wayne police lieutenant was legally justified when he shot a man armed with two swords earlier this year, a Passaic County grand jury found. Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said the investigation stemmed from a Feb. 14 incident involving Lt. Doug Itjen. That day, Wayne police first responded to a single-car crash involving Connor Darpino, Valdes said. Police said Darpino became argumentative and combative with an officer, was arrested, charged, and released from headquarters. Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said the investigation stemmed from a Feb. 14 incide…
Cops Cleared In Death Of Naked, Agitated Man In Ocean County: AG Cops Cleared In Death Of Naked, Agitated Man In Ocean County: AG
Cops Cleared In Death Of Naked, Agitated Man In Ocean County: AG A grand jury voted not to file criminal charges against Brick Township police after a 36-year-old Brick man died following an encounter with officers, authorities announced Wednesday, Sept. 10. On Thursday May 9, 2024 at 4:27 p.m., Brick Township officers Joseph McGrath and Mark Nixon and Sgt. Jeffrey Person was dispatched to the area of Wisteria Drive and Vermont Drive where they found Robert Gotts naked and in a state of active distress in the street, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Officers handcuffed and removed him from the street to a nearby grassy area, Platkin said…
No Charges For Keansburg Officer Who Fatally Shot Chainsaw Wielding Man: AG No Charges For Keansburg Officer Who Fatally Shot Chainsaw Wielding Man: AG
No Charges For Keansburg Officer Who Fatally Shot Chainsaw Wielding Man: AG A state grand jury declined to criminally charge a Keansburg police officer who fatally shot a 46-year-old man wielding a chainsaw, authorities announced Wednesday, July 30. On Monday, May 27, 2024 at 1:07 p.m. Keansburg police were called to perform a welfare check at a home on Seabreeze Way, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Two officers entered the home and found Willem Roman with a running chainsaw, along with several weapons, Platkin said. Roman approached the officers with the chainsaw, Platkin said. Patrolman John Swartz used a taser on Roman and Patrolman Tyler Mange…
Deadly Pursuit: Names Of Elizabeth Scooter Rider Killed, Pursuing Officer Released By AG Deadly Pursuit: Names Of Elizabeth Scooter Rider Killed, Pursuing Officer Released By AG
Deadly Pursuit: Names Of Elizabeth Scooter Rider Killed, Pursuing Officer Released By AG A 26-year-old Elizabeth man has been identified as the scooter rider who died following a pursuit with police in Perth Amboy on Sunday, July 6, authorities said. Joseph Acevedo-Rodriguez, who went by "Tuti" died just four days before his 27th birthday, according to his obituary from the Alvarez Funeral Home in Newark. "Joseph passed away doing what he loved most: riding motorcycles with his friends on the weekends, one of his passions," his obituary reads, making no mention of the police pursuit. At 12:05 a.m., three people were operating motorized scooters at State Street and High Street …
Scooter Rider Killed In Woodbridge After Police Attempt Traffic Stop In Perth Amboy, AG Says Scooter Rider Killed In Woodbridge After Police Attempt Traffic Stop In Perth Amboy, AG Says
Scooter Rider Killed In Woodbridge After Police Attempt Traffic Stop In Perth Amboy, AG Says A man riding a motorized scooter died early Sunday, July 6 in Woodbridge following an attempted police stop that began in Perth Amboy, authorities said. The crash happened shortly after 12:05 a.m., according to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), which is leading the investigation. Officials say a lieutenant from the Perth Amboy Police Department attempted to stop three scooter riders near State Street and High Street. The lieutenant activated his lights and sirens, but two of the riders took off. The third rider at first…
Investigation Into Priest Sexual Abuse Can Proceed, NJ Supreme Court Rules Investigation Into Priest Sexual Abuse Can Proceed, NJ Supreme Court Rules
Investigation Into Priest Sexual Abuse Can Proceed, NJ Supreme Court Rules The New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously ruled on Monday, June 16 that a grand jury investigation into New Jersey archdioceses for sexual abuse can proceed. The Diocese of Camden had challenged the original grand jury investigation, which began in 2018, and a trial court had ruled in favor of the church, blocking the investigation, ruling it was not authorized by law. "We find that the State has the right to proceed with its investigation and present evidence before a special grand jury. If the grand jury issues a presentment, the assignment judge should review the report and publ…
No Charges For NJ Trooper In Fatal Hope Township Pursuit: AG No Charges For NJ Trooper In Fatal Hope Township Pursuit: AG
No Charges For NJ Trooper In Fatal Hope Township Pursuit: AG A state trooper involved in a pursuit that led to the death of a 76-year-old Vietnam veteran will not face charges, authorities announced on Thursday, May 22, authorities said. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at 10:19 a.m., New Jersey State Trooper Christopher Bird began following an SUV on Route 80 eastbound and initiated a traffic stop, the Warren County Prosecutor's Office said. The driver of the SUV, Sean Mamakas, a 33-year-old Kempton, PA resident, continued traveling eastbound, exiting the interstate at Exit 12 and headed toward County Road 521 southbound in Hope Township, authorities said…
Jersey City Cop Cleared In Fatal Shooting Of Knife-Wielding Man: Prosecutor Jersey City Cop Cleared In Fatal Shooting Of Knife-Wielding Man: Prosecutor
Jersey City Cop Cleared In Fatal Shooting Of Knife-Wielding Man: Prosecutor A state grand jury has cleared a Jersey City police officer in the shooting death of an emotionally disturbed man armed with a knife, authorities said. The grand jury voted “no bill” on Monday, April 28, 2025, meaning no criminal charges will be filed against Officer Stephen Gigante in the death of Andrew Washington, 52 (bodycam footage here), according to the New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). Washington was shot on Aug. 27, 2023, after officers responded to his apartment on Randolph Avenue in Jersey City following a 911 call from Jersey City Medical Center re…
Woodbridge Cop Accused Of Using Chokehold Won't Face Charges: Prosecutor Woodbridge Cop Accused Of Using Chokehold Won't Face Charges: Prosecutor
Woodbridge Cop Accused Of Using Chokehold Won't Face Charges: Prosecutor A Middlesex County grand jury has declined to file charges against a Woodbridge police officer accused of using a chokehold during a domestic violence arrest, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office announced on Wednesday, April 23. On Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at 9:14 a.m., Hector Rivera was one of several police officers who responded to a domestic violence incident in Woodbridge Township, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said. The suspect, who was being placed under arrest, became uncooperative, aggressive and began to yell, authorities said. He resisted officers' attempts to arres…
NFL Prospect Kyren Lacy Found Dead Hours Before Facing Grand Jury In Fatal Crash NFL Prospect Kyren Lacy Found Dead Hours Before Facing Grand Jury In Fatal Crash
NFL Prospect Kyren Lacy Found Dead Hours Before Facing Grand Jury In Fatal Crash A former standout wide receiver at LSU was found dead hours before he was set to face a grand jury following a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 78-year-old man in December 2024, according to reports. Kyren Lacy, 24, died in Houston, his family confirmed, and is a suspected suicide victim, according to multiple reports.  Former LSU WR Kyren Lacy has died at 24 pic.twitter.com/onc5PQpCU0 — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2025 Once considered a possible first-round pick, the former Tiger was accused of the fatal hit-and-run crash that killed Herman Hall in December …
No Charges For Hamilton Cops Who Fatally Shot Suspect Firing At Them: Attorney General No Charges For Hamilton Cops Who Fatally Shot Suspect Firing At Them: Attorney General
No Charges For Hamilton Cops Who Fatally Shot Suspect Firing At Them: Attorney General A state grand jury declined to file charges against two Hamilton Township police officers who fatally shot a man who was exchanging gunfire with them last year, authorities said. On Friday, March 8, police responded to a home on Orchard Avenue for a domestic dispute, after a caller said she was in a verbal dispute with an intoxicated man, later identified as Vincent Correa, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Upon arriving, officers Derek Fiabane and Paul Piromalli encountered Correa, who was armed with a rifle, Platkin said. Correa then exchanged gunfire with the two officers…
No Charges Filed In Fatal South Brunswick Police Shooting Of Bling Bishop Robber: AG No Charges Filed In Fatal South Brunswick Police Shooting Of Bling Bishop Robber: AG
No Charges Filed In Fatal South Brunswick Police Shooting Of Bling Bishop Robber: AG A state grand jury declined to indict the officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 41-year-old Brooklyn man in South Brunswick last January, authorities said. Shamar Leggette was shot by members of the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 at a motel room in South Brunswick. Legette had been wanted for robbing "Bling Bishop" Lamor Whitehead from Paramus in Bergen County, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Leggette, was also wanted out of Rhode Island for armed robbery, Platkin said. The second suspect, a female,…
Daughter Bludgeons Mom While Staying With Her In Willingboro: Prosecutor Daughter Bludgeons Mom While Staying With Her In Willingboro: Prosecutor
Daughter Bludgeons Mom While Staying With Her In Willingboro: Prosecutor A woman is facing murder charges after killing her mother inside their Burlington County home, authorities announced. On Monday, Dec. 16, just before 4 p.m., police were called to a home on Hopewell Lane in the Hawthorne Park neighborhood of Willingboro for a report of an assault in progress, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Willingboro Acting Public Safety Director Captain Ian Bucs said. Upon arrival, officers found the body of 57-year-old Kim Beacham-Hanson. A preliminary investigation determined she had been bludgeoned to death. An autopsy later confirmed her death was…
Grand Jury Clears New Rochelle Police Lieutenant Accused Of Misconduct: Suspension Remains Grand Jury Clears New Rochelle Police Lieutenant Accused Of Misconduct: Suspension Remains
Grand Jury Clears New Rochelle Police Lieutenant Accused Of Misconduct: Suspension Remains A grand jury has declined to indict a Westchester County police lieutenant accused of deliberately mishandling evidence during a drug investigation, officials announced.  In a statement on Friday, Dec. 13, New Rochelle city officials said a Westchester County Grand Jury cleared New Rochelle Police Lieutenant Sean Kane of criminal charges connected to a misconduct investigation.  Kane was originally suspended in early August when the New Rochelle Police Department announced an investigation into his alleged mishandling of evidence.  According to the department, …
AG IDs Man Who Plunged To His Death During Guttenberg Police Pursuit AG IDs Man Who Plunged To His Death During Guttenberg Police Pursuit
AG IDs Man Who Plunged To His Death During Guttenberg Police Pursuit The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has identified the man who died during a police encounter in Hudson County last week as a 26-year-old Texas man. Authorities on Friday, Nov. 22, named Brandon Lee Ortega as the individual who died following a foot chase with Guttenberg police on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The incident began around 11:02 p.m. when officers responded to 68th Street and Bellevue Avenue for a reported disturbance. Police were informed that one of the individuals involved, later identified as Ortega, was armed with a gun, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Guttenberg Pol…
Officers Not Indicted In Armed Manchester Township Man's Shooting Death, AG Says Officers Not Indicted In Armed Manchester Township Man's Shooting Death, AG Says
Officers Not Indicted In Armed Manchester Township Man's Shooting Death, AG Says Two officers will not face criminal charges after killing a Manchester Township man armed with a semi-automatic rifle, authorities said. A grand jury voted not to indict officers Nicholas Greenwood and Michael Anderson, the state Office of the Attorney General said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 15. The two were involved in the shooting death of 39-year-old Shannon Rose on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Manchester police responded to a 911 call about a person in distress at around 8:28 p.m. Officers learned Rose had a semi-automatic rifle and left his home in a white van. Police then learn…
Man Falls To His Death While Running From Guttenberg Police: AG Man Falls To His Death While Running From Guttenberg Police: AG
Man Falls To His Death While Running From Guttenberg Police: AG A man fell to his death during a foot pursuit with police in Hudson County on Tuesday, Nov. 12, authorities said. At 11:02 p.m., officers in Guttenberg responded to 68th Street and Bellevue Avenue after a 911 call reported a disturbance, the State Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability said. Officers were provided with a description of the individuals involved in the reported disturbance, including that an individual was armed with a gun, authorities said. Officers located one of the individuals in the area of 7000 John F. Kennedy Boulevard East, authorities said. …
Teacher's Aide Slammed, Dragged Toddler At Wayne Montessori School: Prosecutor Teacher's Aide Slammed, Dragged Toddler At Wayne Montessori School: Prosecutor
Teacher's Aide Slammed, Dragged Toddler At Wayne Montessori School: Prosecutor A teacher’s aide at Apple Montessori School in Wayne has been charged with child abuse following an incident in which she allegedly assaulted a two-year-old in her care, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office announced.  Meghan Hornidge, 19, of River Edge, was charged with fourth-degree abuse of a child and simple assault, stemming from an investigation conducted by the Special Victims Unit, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said. The investigation began on Aug. 13, 2024, when the Prosecutor’s Office received a report that Hornidge had reportedly slammed and dragged the …
Grand Jury Declines To Indict Cranford Police Officers In Fatal Shooting On GSP: AG Grand Jury Declines To Indict Cranford Police Officers In Fatal Shooting On GSP: AG
Grand Jury Declines To Indict Cranford Police Officers In Fatal Shooting On GSP: AG Cranford police officers who fatally shot a Perth Amboy man on the Garden State Parkway in December 2023 will not face charges, the state attorney general's office announced Friday, Oct. 25. On Thursday, Dec. 28, officers from the Cranford Police Department were pursuing a stolen vehicle when it crashed in the area of Exit 131 on the Parkway southbound, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.  After the crash, the driver of the vehicle, Kevin Harlfinger, exchanged gunfire with Cranford Police Officers Christopher Folinusz and Ryan McSharry, Platkin said. Harlfinger was pronounced d…
Troopers Won't Be Charged For Millville Man's Death In Police Custody, AG's Office Says Troopers Won't Be Charged For Millville Man's Death In Police Custody, AG's Office Says
Troopers Won't Be Charged For Millville Man's Death In Police Custody, AG's Office Says No state troopers will face criminal charges after a Millville man died while in police custody, authorities said. A state grand jury voted to not file any charges related to the death of 30-year-old Daniel King, the state Office of the Attorney General said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 1. King died more than 24 hours after he was arrested in Fairfield Township. Investigators said Trooper Mark Allonardo responded to a home on Fordville Road at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023. King had requested a police escort to retrieve property at the home.…
'I Just Struck a Pedestrian': 911 Call Released In Deadly Cyclist Crash Involving Trooper 'I Just Struck a Pedestrian': 911 Call Released In Deadly Cyclist Crash Involving Trooper
'I Just Struck a Pedestrian': 911 Call Released In Deadly Cyclist Crash Involving Trooper The New Jersey State Attorney General's Office released surveillance camera footage and police radio transmissions after a state trooper struck and killed a Morris County cyclist in February. At 6 a.m., on Monday, February 5, Kesene Grier was driving an unmarked police SUV when she struck Raul Diaz, a 59-year-old Long Valley resident in Hackettstown, the state attorney general's office said. Diaz was transported to Hackettstown Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, the state attorney general's office.  "I just struck a pedestrian on a bike," Grier is heard saying on police radio…
Grand Jury Declines To Indict Newark Officers In Fatal Shooting Grand Jury Declines To Indict Newark Officers In Fatal Shooting
Grand Jury Declines To Indict Newark Officers In Fatal Shooting A grand jury has decided not to indict Newark police officers who fatally shot a 29-year-old man in May 2023. The grand jury's vote follows an investigation into the shooting death of Everett Rand by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. In May 2023, police responded to a 911 call on a shooting in a residence on Johnson Avenue, the State Attorney General's Office said. Police observed Rand leaving the residence and discarding an item in a dumpster, authorities said. While chasing Rand, Officer Steven Ferreira saw Rand reach into his waistband during the foot pursuit and grab w…
UPDATE: State Authorities Probe Police Vehicle Crash In Sussex County That Killed Woman, 19 UPDATE: State Authorities Probe Police Vehicle Crash In Sussex County That Killed Woman, 19
Update: State Authorities Probe Police Vehicle Crash In Sussex County That Killed Woman, 19 State authorities are investigating a police-involved Memorial Day crash in Sussex County that killed a 19-year-old passenger in a private vehicle. The on-duty officer's car T-boned the civilian vehicle outside the ShopRite of Franklin shopping center on Route 23 at Walsh Road, according to witnesses, shortly after 10:30 a.m. May 27. Deanna D’Arco was rushed to Morristown Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday.  Her organs were donated through the New Jersey Sharing Network. ****** GoFundMe verified a fundraiser to help support D'Arco's family cov…
Deputy Marshals Justified Shooting Machete-Wielding Murder Fugitive In Jersey City: Grand Jury Deputy Marshals Justified Shooting Machete-Wielding Murder Fugitive In Jersey City: Grand Jury
Deputy Marshals Justified Shooting Machete-Wielding Murder Fugitive In Jersey City: Grand Jury 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Two deputy U.S. Marshals were justified in shooting a fugitive murderer from Florida who came at them with a hatchet when they tracked him down in Jersey City, a New Jersey grand jury has ruled. Esteban DeJesus, Jr., 56, of Orlando was wanted for shooting and killing his 67-year-old next-door neighbor and wounding her husband the day before the deputy marshals found him. New Jersey law requires a grand jury review of all deaths that occur during or after encounters with law enforcement. State investigators had a clear-cut case involving DeJesus, who police in Orlando said attacked …
NO CHOICE: Police Justified Shooting Knife-Wielding NJ Man, Grand Jury Finds NO CHOICE: Police Justified Shooting Knife-Wielding NJ Man, Grand Jury Finds
NO Choice: Police Justified Shooting Knife-Wielding NJ Man, Grand Jury Finds UPDATE: Police were justified in shooting a New Jersey man seen on bodycam video charging at an officer with a knife, a grand jury investigation required by state law found. Luke Mendez, 26, had his wrapped around the knife handle as he barreled down the steps of an Old Bridge home last April 24. Mendez was only two steps from the landing -- less than three feet from an Old Bridge officer -- when he left police no choice. Mendez was pronounced dead at a local hospital about 90 minutes later. Grand jurors reviewed various evidence but didn't really need any more than the bodycam video…
CLEARED: Officer Not At Fault In Fatal South Jersey Stolen Motorcycle Crash, Grand Jury Rules CLEARED: Officer Not At Fault In Fatal South Jersey Stolen Motorcycle Crash, Grand Jury Rules
Cleared: Officer Not At Fault In Fatal South Jersey Stolen Motorcycle Crash, Grand Jury Rules UPDATE: A New Jersey police officer did nothing wrong in pursuing a stolen motorcycle whose driver ended up dying in a subsequent crash, a grand jury has ruled. Despite the obvious circumstances, state law and administrative guidelines required New Jersey Attorney Matthew Platkin to investigate the death last April 20 of John R. Nutt, 41, of Mount Laurel because a law enforcement officer was involved. Platkin's office released video last July from both the dashcam of the pursuing officer and the bodycam of a colleague who arrived from the opposite direction after the crash. Also relea…
Grand Jury Backs Elizabeth Officer Who Stopped Knife-Wielding Man Attempting To Stab Woman Grand Jury Backs Elizabeth Officer Who Stopped Knife-Wielding Man Attempting To Stab Woman
Grand Jury Backs Elizabeth Officer Who Stopped Knife-Wielding Man Attempting To Stab Woman 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: An Elizabeth police officer was fully justified in neutralizing an enraged man who went after a woman with a long-bladed knife last summer, a state grand jury has found. New Jersey law requires grand jury reviews of all fatal police shootings even when police bodycam video is clear -- as in this case -- and there's no mistaking the series of events (ditto). This one was literally over in seconds. Officer Steven Lazo and his partner had just responded to a 911 call of an unwanted person involved in a dispute on Amity Street shortly after 8 a.m. July 29, when the incident occurred. …
Cumberland County Coach Indicted For Sexually Assaulting Two Teenage Boys: Prosecutor Cumberland County Coach Indicted For Sexually Assaulting Two Teenage Boys: Prosecutor
Cumberland County Coach Indicted For Sexually Assaulting Two Teenage Boys: Prosecutor A youth sports coach from Cumberland County has been indicted on charges that he sexually assaulted two teenage boys, authorities said. Robert R. Marino, 73, of Bridgeton, was arrested on July 3, 2023, on charges related to an alleged incident involving a 16-year-old boy, they said. A grand jury indicted Marino on Jan. 24, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae.  A month after being charged in the first case, a second man claimed Marino sexually assaulted him for several years during the 1990s when he was a teenager and Marine was his coach, the prosecutor previ…
'Ringleader' Of Fentanyl Pipeline From Philly To Centre County Gets 25 Years: AG 'Ringleader' Of Fentanyl Pipeline From Philly To Centre County Gets 25 Years: AG
'Ringleader' Of Fentanyl Pipeline From Philly To Centre County Gets 25 Years: AG The accused leader of a fentanyl trafficking operation may spend the next quarter century in a Pennsylvania prison, Attorney General Michelle Henry's Office announced.  Larry L. Thomas, a 30-year-old Philadelphia resident, was the "ringleader" of a drug-running operation that stretched to Centre County, according to prosecutors.  “This defendant directed a network of co-conspirators to distribute poisons in the State College area — even continuing to pull the strings while he was incarcerated,” said AG Henry in a statement.  “These addictive substances take lives and destroy…
Heart Disease Aggravated By Meth Use Killed Newark Suspect Following Arrest: Medical Examiner Heart Disease Aggravated By Meth Use Killed Newark Suspect Following Arrest: Medical Examiner
Heart Disease Aggravated By Meth Use Killed Newark Suspect Following Arrest: Medical Examiner It’s unsettling to watch video of a suspect you know has died. The last moments for Raul DeJesus -- who led Newark police on a foot chase before collapsing near Route 280 -- are no exception. Newark police did nothing wrong during the encounter, a grand jury has found. Among the evidence reviewed by the grand jurors are three police bodycams, one of them worn by the officer who began chasing the 43-year-old Newark native on foot after he ran. Two others graphically document the arrest and the moments that followed as highway traffic barreled by. In the end, what killed DeJesus was heart …