Another Republican council member was shot and killed in New Jersey on Wednesday, marking the second attack in seven days.
The recent Republican council member attack came days after a state councilwoman was murdered in a similar fashion.
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, 51-year old Republican New Jersey council member Russel Heller was gunned down inside his car and was discovered dead after 7:00 in the morning on Wednesday in the parking lot of the local energy company, PSE&G which was his employer.
During the investigation, the authorities identified the suspect as 58-year old Gary Curtis who was a former employee and was also found dead in his car, several hours later, from what is currently suspected to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Heller’s death took place exactly one week following the tragic and controversial assassination of Republican councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour.
Dwumfour was also shot and killed in her vehicle by a currently unidentified suspect.
Authorities revealed that Dwumfour’s death took place only 15 miles from Heller’s death but the Somerset County Prosecutor’s office revealed that the two murders are not linked.
Following Heller’s death, several Republicans aired their sentiments about the deaths of both council members.
According to Republican New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean, he was “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,” he added.
In addition, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also released an official statement on Wednesday, saying that “Early this morning, a deadly shooting took place outside of a PSE&G facility in Franklin Township. Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell Heller’s family and friends in the wake of this tragic act of gun violence.”
Governor Murphy also reposted the official statement released by the PSE&G facility that says, “We are heartbroken at the tragic death of Russell Heller, senior distribution supervisor at PSE&G.”
The company also described Heller as “an admired employee” of more than 11 years.
“He will be sorely missed by all, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. This event is tragic and disturbing, and we are offering support to our employees as they process this. We are cooperating with law enforcement with respect to their investigation.” PSE&G added.
As of Thursday morning, the Police have not released a motive for the suspected murder but the prosecutor’s office in Somerset County said in a statement that the deadly shooting was not politically motivated.
“Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was 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.” the statement read, according to CBS.
