No Criminal Charges For Police Officers In Fatal Shooting In Mercer County

Criminal charges won’t be brought against two Trenton police officers in relation to the death of Darnell D. Stafford, 31, of Ewing, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday. Stafford was fatally shot following a home invasion in which Stafford was armed with a handgun.

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force investigated the shooting. After considering testimony regarding the factual circumstances of the event and the physical evidence discovered during the investigation, the Mercer County grand jury found no cause for action, meaning it declined to indict either of the officers.

According to the independent investigation, Stafford broke into a home on Wilson Street at about 7 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2014. He first approached two of the sons, ages 9 and 16, as they took out the trash, according to the investigation. He pointed a handgun at the 16-year-old, and followed him into the house, police said. The 9-year-old ran to a neighbor’s house to call for help.

Once inside, Stafford threatened the two adults with the gun while demanding money, police said. At that point, the 16-year-old called the police. The woman fled the home with her 3-month old baby. The man fought with Stafford before fleeing the home with the 16-year-old, police said.

Responding officers saw Stafford, armed with a long-barrel handgun, chasing the victims into the street, police said. In an effort to protect the victims from death or serious bodily injury, the officers sped up to place their vehicle between Stafford and the victims.

Stafford then fired at the officers, police said. Several witnesses told investigators that Stafford had his arm raised and pointed the weapon at the police vehicle as they heard gunshots. One officer returned fire from inside the car, while the other got out and fired at Stafford from the rear of the police car. Stafford then ran toward a driveway between two houses on Wilson Street.

The officers told Stafford to drop his gun and raise his arms, but he refused, police said. While moving toward the driveway, Stafford turned in the direction of the officers with his right arm raised. The officers shot again, striking Stafford multiple times before he fell to the ground.

The officers told him to drop his gun and raise his hands, but he refused, so they shot him again, police said. Stafford was struck a total of 24 times with gunfire, the investigation revealed. Once Stafford stopped moving, the officers handcuffed him and said they found wallet, identification, jewelry belonging to the adult man on Stafford. A Smith & Wesson .22 caliber long-barrel revolver was located on the sidewalk between the police vehicle and where Stafford fell, police said.

After considering testimony regarding the factual circumstances of the event and the physical evidence discovered during the investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Mercer County grand jury found no cause for action, meaning it declined to indict either of the Trenton police officers. In New Jersey, an officer may use deadly force when the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.

During the course of this investigation, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office complied with all portions of the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Directive regarding uniform statewide procedures and best practices for conducting police use-of-force investigations.

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