TRENTON, NJ – A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against a Keansburg police officer in connection with the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Willem Roman during a police encounter in May 2024.
The New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) presented evidence to the grand jury, including 911 calls, body-worn camera footage, taser data, law enforcement interviews, ballistics reports, medical records, and autopsy results. After deliberating, the jury voted “no bill,” meaning no criminal charges will be brought against Patrolman Tyler Manges.
According to the investigation, officers responded to a welfare check on Seabreeze Way on May 27, 2024, where they encountered Roman wearing a ski mask and advancing toward them with a running chainsaw. One officer deployed a taser while Manges fired his service weapon, striking Roman. Officers later found a crossbow and multiple knives on Roman. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he died on June 14, 2024, from his injuries.
The Office of the Attorney General has released video footage from two body-worn cameras of the incident, which was shared with Roman’s family prior to public release.
The investigation, conducted under the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019, concluded without criminal charges. The case will be referred for administrative review in line with internal policies.