"So positive, always had a smile and always made any situation better.". The Milford Merchants Association also released a statement: "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. Bridgewater Police are helping to secure the site, and we're told the two scenes are connected. ", Rep. Tom Kean Jr. said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. This event is tragic and disturbing and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. Were all really, really hurt and trying to process it. The family is struggling to deal with his death, but is focused on seeing that justice is served, Guzman said. The victim was identified as Michelle Cruz, 28, of Lawnside. Heller, a Republican, was first elected to the Milford Borough Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2020. Updated: Feb 27, 2023 / 02:59 PM PST. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. FRANKLIN, NJ Authorities are investigating a shooting where 27 shell casings were found in Franklin on Wednesday night. 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. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! "My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.". Anyone with information relating to the shooting 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. "Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township. 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. The victim, 51-year-old Russell Heller, had worked with PSE&G for the last 11 years as a supervisor. - The mother of a man shot outside a local bar said her family has been changed forever by his death. The witness said he ran for safety because he feared he would be shot next, according to the affidavit. Heller's death came exactly one week after Eunice Dwumfour, a borough councilwoman in Sayreville was shot to death in a car parked outside of her home on the evening of Feb. 1. While conducting theirinvestigation, detectives were notified of a second victim, an Edison man who went to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. The vehicle crashed on Burnham Road causing damage to a property and a utility pole. Download here. 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. ", NEW JERSEY COUNCILWOMAN EUNICE DWUMFOUR SHOT DEAD OUTSIDE HOME IN 'DESPICABLE CRIMINAL ACT', Local New Jersey council member Russell Heller was shot dead in his car, exactly one week after the slaying of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. "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. 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. Family and friends are mourning Stuart and demanding justice. Published Apr 5, 2021. After a brief conversation, Gilliano allegedly shot Stuart in the forehead, according to the witness. PSE&G called the death of Heller heartbreaking and tragic. 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. Get Directions, Phone:(908) 850-1000 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. He was a really hard worker. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. ", More:MyCentralJersey.com seeks public records in Sayreville councilwoman's killing, We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G. Chopper 2 is checking out various stories and traffic around the Tri-State Area. 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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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Newsroom:(908) 852-7777 You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). 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. "I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller," the congressman wrote. He was one of four kids, said his younger sister, Mikaela Guzman, who recalled her brother for his great sense of humor and strong work ethic. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. 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. Something like this has never happened in borough history. Russell Heller is shown in this undated photo. 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. https://t.co/KITkU4G4aS. Heller's death comes one week after the fatal shooting of Eunice Dwumfour, a Republican Councilwoman for Sayreville borough in Middlesex County. All employees are safe and there's no further danger, sources say. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Anyone who knew Russ found him to be a joy to be around. NORTHAMPTON TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police responded to a shooting at an estate in Northampton Township, Bucks County. Curtis was tracked to a parking lot in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, within an hour of the shooting, according to police. New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic murder" of Heller. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation. Heller was the intended target, McDonald said, and authorities are still trying to determine a motive. 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. 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 believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and Heller was the intended target. Jay has been a guest on Americas Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion. 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. The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.". "He was so full of life, its just unbelievable that hes gone. ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. ", 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. The shooting reportedly occurred in Buena Vista Township in Atlantic County and involved a police officer from nearby Franklin Township in Gloucester County. 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. "He was so full of life, it's just unbelievable that he's gone. Curtis was reportedly a former PSE&G employee who allegedly shot Heller before taking off and driving to Bridgewater, where he killed himself. Updated on: February 10, 2023 / 6:09 PM 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. No arrests have been announced in the case. 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. Authorities say the murder was not politically motivated. 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. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. (Fox News). 207. Three teenage boys were hospitalized Sunday night after they were wounded in what authorities believe was a gang-related act of violence. Our hearts are broken but his will beat on, a relative wrote on Facebook. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation.". The suspect in the Russell Heller murder-suicide is 58-year-old Gary Curtis, seen here in a previous booking photo. Gilliano left the area, then returned and brandished a firearm, the witness told police. 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. We are cooperating with law-enforcement respect to their investigation.". Just a local great guy," he said. And his daughter, parents, and family are heartbroken beyond comprehension. Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report. After Gilliano told police that he shot Stuart, he was taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder and other offenses. PSE&G said it was "heartbroken" over the death of Heller, who had been a supervisor with the company for over 11 years. 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