Murder-Suicide Motive Revealed In Somerset PSE&G Shooting

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Authorities have revealed the motive behind the murder-suicide of two PSE&G employees at the company's Somerset facility on Wednesday.

An investigation found that former employee of PSE&G, Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington, fatally shot his supervisor due to "prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor," according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

Curtis' supervisor, identified as Russell D. Heller, 51, of Milford, was actively employed with PSE&G at the Somerset facility and was also 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," said McDonald. "The shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target." Read More: Shooting Of NJ Councilman 'Not Politically Connected': Prosecutor

On Feb. 8, at around 7:02 a.m., multiple 911 calls reported a shooting victim within the parking lot of PSE&G, on Weston Canal Road in Somerset. Read More: Murder-Suicide Of PSE&G Employees Under Investigation In Somerset Co.

Franklin Township Police Officers found a dead adult man, identified as Heller, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Personnel from an area Trauma Center pronounced Heller dead, said McDonald.

Heller was fatally shot outside of his vehicle as he was arriving to work at the PSE&G facility. The handgun revolver used by Curtis was legally registered to him, said McDonald.

That same handgun revolver was found on Curtis when detectives tracked him down to a parking lot area in Bridgewater Township around 10:20 a.m. that same day, said McDonald.

Curtis was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the vehicle, said McDonald.

Medical personnel pronounced Curtis dead at the scene.

The shooting raised some speculation as it marked the second councilperson to be fatally shot in the past week. Sayreville Republican Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was fatally shot inside her car near her home on Feb. 1.

Several officials issued statements following Heller's death.

"I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community," said Congressman Tom Kean Jr. in a tweet.

Zachary T. Rich, Director, Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners also issued a statement regarding Heller's death:

“On behalf of the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners, we share in the collective shock and grief felt upon learning of Russell Heller’s senseless shooting death today.Russell was a dedicated and valuable member of the Milford and Hunterdon County community whose leadership and commitment will be sorely missed. More importantly, however, Russell 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. We join our colleagues in Milford in offering our most sincere heartfelt condolences to the Heller Family at this unimaginably difficult time for their tragic loss.”

Bob Hugin, Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee (NJGOP) released the following statement:

"It is with great sadness and shock that we offer our condolences to the family of Milford Councilman Russell Heller — an outstanding public servant and devoted father,” said Hugin.He continued, “To see the lives of not one but two community leaders cut tragically short within one week is unimaginably distressing. As we mourn these losses, we are particularly praying for justice and answers in the unsolved murder of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. May God bless both of their memories."

McDonald reiterated that the shooting was "not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation."

Anyone with information relating to the homicide is asked 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.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

• Related: Sayreville Councilwoman Shot, Killed Inside Car Wednesday

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