TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against Fort Lee Police Officer Tony Pickens, Jr., in connection with the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Victoria G. Lee during a police response to a mental health crisis on July 28, 2024.
The investigation, conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), included 911 call recordings, body-worn and taser camera footage, interviews, forensic reports, and autopsy findings. All evidence was presented to the grand jury, which concluded its deliberations on July 14, 2025, and returned a “no bill,” meaning no indictment would be issued.
According to the investigation, Lee’s brother called 911 at approximately 1:14 a.m. requesting help for his sister, who was experiencing a mental health emergency. Although he asked for an ambulance only, dispatchers advised that police must also respond for safety. He later attempted to cancel the call and disclosed that his sister had a foldable knife.
Officer Pickens was the first to arrive at the apartment at the Pinnacle complex on Main Street. After briefly speaking with Lee’s brother, Pickens encountered Lee and her mother at the doorway. Lee closed and locked the door. Officers said they became concerned for the safety of those inside and, after multiple failed attempts to get the door opened voluntarily, a supervisor authorized forced entry.
During attempts to communicate, Lee reportedly threatened to stab officers and challenged them to shoot. At approximately 1:28 a.m., Officer Pickens forced open the door. Lee, standing a few feet away holding a water bottle and another object later identified as a knife, stepped toward the officers. As she broke free from her mother’s grasp and approached the doorway, Pickens fired one shot, striking her in the chest.
Lee was given medical aid and transported to Englewood Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1:58 a.m. A knife was recovered at the scene.
