TRENTON, NJ – The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) has concluded its investigation regarding the death of Joseph Bestic, Jr., 63, from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, with a state grand jury deciding against filing criminal charges following the law enforcement encounter on October 11, 2022.
Bestic’s death was reviewed, including witness statements, photographic evidence, video footage, and autopsy findings.
The incident footage was among the materials presented to the grand jury, which completed its deliberations on October 23, resulting in a “no bill” vote, meaning no charges will be brought against Officer Jared Fox of the Cherry Hill Police Department.
On the day of the incident, police were dispatched to Bestic’s residence after receiving a call about his welfare. Following his voluntary entry permission, Bestic produced a firearm and inflicted a fatal injury upon himself. An incidental shot from Officer Fox caused a non-fatal injury to Bestic’s arm. The grand jury concluded that Bestic’s death was not a result of the officer’s actions.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office requires a grand jury review for any deaths occurring during law enforcement interactions.
