No Charges From NJ Jury After Police Shooting In Essex County

NEWARK, NJ — A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against a police officer who fatally shot a man in Essex County two years ago, authorities announced Thursday.

Jamahl Smith, 46, of Newark, was fatally shot in June 2019 by an officer with the Orange Police Department, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

The shooting took place on the third floor of the Oakwood Towers, 400 Oakwood Avenue in Orange, authorities said.

Here’s what happened, according to prosecutors:

“Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing and a male subject armed with a knife. When officers arrived, they encountered Mr. Smith, who approached them with a knife. Officers ordered him to drop the knife numerous times, but Mr. Smith disregarded those instructions and continued to advance toward the officers. [An officer] with the Orange Police Department discharged his service weapon three times, striking Mr. Smith. Officers then proceeded to render aid to Mr. Smith and a 51-year-old female suffering from stab wounds who was located nearby. Smith was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed that Smith died as a result of gunshot wounds to his abdomen, forearm and thigh.”

As required under a 2019 state law, the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability launched an investigation into the shooting, which included interviews of witnesses, the collection of forensic evidence and autopsy results from the medical examiner. As per law, the findings were then presented to a grand jury of New Jersey residents to determine if the evidence supported the return of an indictment.

The jury concluded its deliberations on Wednesday and voted “no bill,” meaning that a majority of its members found the actions of the officer who shot Smith were “justified” and no charges should be filed against him, prosecutors said.

According to state prosecutors, a police officer can use deadly force in New Jersey if they “reasonably believe” it is necessary to protect themselves or another person from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.

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