Crime & Safety

David Shroitman Makes 1st Court Appearance, Pleads Not Guilty In Somerville Fatal Stabbing

Shroitman is facing charges of 1st-degree murder, 3rd-degree possession of a weapon, 4th-degree tampering with physical evidence, and more.

David C. Shroitman, 27, of Brookside Avenue, Somerville during a virtually first appearance hearing at Somerset County Jail.
David C. Shroitman, 27, of Brookside Avenue, Somerville during a virtually first appearance hearing at Somerset County Jail. (New Jersey Courts)

SOMERVILLE, NJ — David C. Shroitman of Somerville made his first court appearance and entered a not-guilty plea on Tuesday afternoon in connection with the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old MaryRose Fealey.

Shroitman, 27, appeared virtually at Somerset County Jail for his first appearance before Judge Maureen Vella.

Public Defender Emma Pallarino entered the not-guilty plea for Shroitman in the very brief hearing.

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Shroitman could be seen sitting in a room with two armed guards during the hearing.

He is scheduled to have a detention hearing on Friday at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Jonathan W. Romankow. This hearing will decide whether Shroitman will be ordered to remain in jail or be released on bail until his case goes to trial.

Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Shroitman was charged Monday with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and third-degree hindering apprehension in connection with the Jan. 30 stabbing death of Fealey of North Bridge Street in Somerville.

A motive has not been released, however, authorities did confirm that Shroitman knew Fealey. Shroitman graduated from Somerville High School with Fealey in 2014.

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