Prosecutors presented evidence from a deadly 2025 police encounter before jurors declined to file criminal charges against the officer involved
TRENTON, N.J. — A state grand jury has declined to bring criminal charges against a West Deptford police officer following a fatal crash that killed a South Jersey man during an encounter involving a fleeing vehicle, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The decision stems from a November 9, 2025, crash that resulted in the death of Jose M. Martinez, 42, of Lindenwold.
According to investigators, officers responded around 6 p.m. to a report of two apparently intoxicated men. Patrolman Conor Goggin was operating a marked police vehicle when he activated his emergency lights in an attempt to stop a vehicle matching the description provided to police.
Authorities said the driver, identified as George Linard, 24, fled at a high rate of speed.
Investigators said the fleeing vehicle ran a traffic signal at the intersection of Hessian and Red Bank avenues before colliding with another vehicle driven by Martinez.
Martinez was killed in the crash. A rear-seat passenger in his vehicle suffered a fractured leg.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability conducted the investigation, which included witness interviews, vehicle forensics, radio transmissions, autopsy findings, police dashboard camera footage, body-worn camera footage and surveillance video.
After reviewing the evidence, the state grand jury voted “no bill” on June 1, meaning no criminal charges would be filed against Goggin.
The Attorney General’s Office said the case was presented under New Jersey’s Independent Prosecutor Directive, which requires grand jury review of deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Gloucester County prosecutors continue to pursue criminal charges against Linard.
Authorities said a Gloucester County grand jury previously indicted Linard on charges including aggravated manslaughter, eluding, death by auto, aggravated assault and fraudulent possession of a government license.
Those charges are allegations, and Linard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- A state grand jury declined to file criminal charges against a West Deptford police officer.
- The case stemmed from a fatal November 2025 crash that killed Jose M. Martinez, 42.
- Prosecutors allege the crash occurred after a driver fled from police and ran a traffic signal.
