Russell Heller, a local New Jersey Republican council member from Milford, was found shot dead outside a PSE&G facility on Wednesday.
Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Heller was shot inside his vehicle at the facility where he had worked as a senior distribution supervisor. He had been with the company for 11 years.
“The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family,” Mayor Henri Schepens told NJ.com. “He was so full of life, it’s just unbelievable that he’s gone. Something like this has never happened in borough history. We are very shaken by this.”
The suspect was identified as 58-year-old Gary Curtis. Police claim that after shooting Heller, Curtis hopped inside his own vehicle and drove to Bridgewater, where he would then take his own life. The suspect was reportedly a former employee of the company.
PSE&G released a brief statement expressing their shock on Twitter.
“We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G. Russell was an admired employee and a supervisor with over 11 years of service with PSE&G. He will be sorely missed by all, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time,” it read. “This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation.”
— PSE&G (@PSEGdelivers) February 8, 2023
According to CBS News, law enforcement does not believe that the slaying was politically motivated.
“Investigators with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s 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 (Somerset County), New Jersey. Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.”
This tragedy comes one week after the tragic murder of Republican Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, who was also shot multiple times in her own SUV, causing a crash. Authorities do not believe the crimes were linked.
As American Wire previously reported, Dwumfour’s shocking death left a massive hole in the community she served. Being described as “a woman of deep faith,” a hard worker, and “a very kind person and public servant,” it is clear that her loss will have a deep and lasting impact on anyone who knew her.
Authorities are still tracking down the person(s) responsible for her death, and anyone who may have information is asked to call “Detective Rebecca Morales of the Sayreville Police Department at 732-727-4444 or Detective Michelle Coppola of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3477.”
NEW: Republican councilwoman gunned down, dies outside her home in New Jersey https://t.co/Ha3JrI4oZS
— American Wire News (@americanwire_) February 2, 2023
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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