Judge Calls David Shroitman 'Extremely Dangerous,' Held In Jail For Somerville Murder

SOMERVILLE, NJ — David C. Shroitman, 27, of Somerville will be held in jail without bail for the entire time his case is pending in court in connection with the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old MaryRose Fealey.

Judge Jonathan W. Romankow called Shoritman "extremely dangerous" and said he "poses a danger to the community" during his detention hearing in Somerset County Court on Friday morning.

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.

Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Gerard Tyrrell said in court that there was "no evidence of a romantic relationship" between Shroitman and Fealey.

During the hearing, Tyrrell noted that Shroitman tried to cover up the "brutal" and "premeditated" murder where he is accused of stabbing Fealey at least three dozen times.

Tyrrell said Somerville Police Detectives found multiple containers of bleach and a manifesto, along with clothing seen in dash cam videos from the night of the crime at Shroitman's home.

Assistant Deputy Public Defender Emma Pallarino, who is representing Shroitman, said he had no prior criminal history, has family in New Jersey, graduated from the Rutgers Business School with honors, and worked at his full-time job for two years.

Pallarino also noted that Shroitman has "significant mental health issues" and suffers from severe migraines.

Romankow ultimately ruled to hold Shoritman without bail.

Tearful family members and friends packed the courtroom, some holding signs stating "Justice for Maryrose" and others wearing T-shirts for "Not An Easy Fix" - a nonprofit Fealey was involved with.

Following Romankow's ruling, family and friends filled the hallway outside the courtroom hugging and crying.

Shroitman's next court hearing will be held on March 26 before Judge Peter Tober.

• Related: Anti-Drug Activist, Maryrose Fealey's 'Bright Smile Was Unforgettable'
• Related: 37 Stab Wounds, A Manifesto Discovered: New Somerville Slaying Details
  
• Related: Who Is David Shroitman: Man Charged In Fatal Somerville Stabbing

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