MILLVILLE, N.J. – The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released the identities of both the civilian who died and the law enforcement officer involved in a fatal police shooting that occurred Thursday morning in Millville.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Shaun Murphy, 47, of Millville, died during an encounter with police at a residence in the 300 block of Hazel Boulevard on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Officials also identified the officer who discharged his weapon as Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. John Borelli.
Domestic disturbance led to fatal encounter
According to the Attorney General’s preliminary investigation, officers responded to a reported domestic disturbance at the residence during the morning hours.
“During an encounter with Mr. Murphy inside of the residence, Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant John Borelli discharged his department-issued weapon, striking Mr. Murphy, who was subsequently pronounced deceased,” the Attorney General’s Office said in a statement.
Investigators also said law enforcement officers recovered a handgun at the scene.
The Attorney General’s Office has not released additional details regarding what occurred immediately before the shooting or whether anyone else was injured during the incident.
State investigation required by law
Under New Jersey law, every death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.
The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and, as required by N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the findings will ultimately be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges against the involved officer.
The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active and said no additional information is being released at this time.
Police-involved shootings in New Jersey are routinely handled by the Attorney General’s Office rather than the agency involved in the incident, a process intended to provide an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force.
Key Points
- The Attorney General identified Shaun Murphy, 47, as the man killed in Thursday’s police shooting in Millville.
- Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. John Borelli was identified as the officer who fired his weapon.
- The fatal shooting remains under investigation and will be presented to a state grand jury as required by New Jersey law.
FAQ
- Who died in the shooting?
Shaun Murphy, 47, of Millville. - Who fired the weapon?
Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. John Borelli. - Why were officers at the home?
Authorities said officers were responding to a reported domestic disturbance. - Was a weapon recovered?
Yes. Investigators said a handgun was recovered at the scene. - What happens next?
The Attorney General’s Office will complete its investigation before presenting the case to a grand jury as required by state law.
Source: New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General News Release
