Cherry Hill Officer Under Investigation Didn't Kill Man: Grand Jury

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A Cherry Hill police officer under investigation for a fatal encounter did not cause the man's death, a state grand jury determined. Officer Jared Fox will not be charged for the October 2022 incident.

Township police reported to Joseph Bestic, Jr.'s Chapel Avenue West home for a well-being check, following a concerned individual's call to police, according to a state investigation. Shortly after allowing officers into his home, Bestic produced a gun and shot himself, authorities said.

Fox also fired his service weapon once, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG). The bullet grazed Bestic's right arm, causing a superficial injury, officials said. Bestic, 63, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The grand jury concluded Oct. 23 that Fox's use of force didn't kill Bestic.

State law requires the OAG to investigate all deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement or while the decedent is in custody. The agency's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability must then present the findings to a grand jury.

The investigation into Bestic's death included witness interviews, photographs, review of video footage and the medical examiner's autopsy findings, the OAG said.