Grand jury clears Pemberton Township officer in fatal shooting of armed man during house fire standoff
Trenton, NJ – A state grand jury has declined to criminally charge a Pemberton Township police officer in the October 2024 fatal shooting of a 57-year-old man who pointed and fired a rifle during a tense standoff behind a burning home in Browns Mills.
The Office of the Attorney General announced Wednesday that Officer Kyle McQueen will not face criminal charges in the death of Marvin Taylor, following an extensive investigation and grand jury presentation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
Taylor was shot after officers responded to a 911 call reporting smoke at a residence on Woodland Avenue on the afternoon of October 19, 2024. Firefighters were the first to encounter Taylor, who reportedly pointed a firearm at them in the backyard. Fire crews retreated, and police began attempting to de-escalate the situation while additional units and a crisis negotiator were called in.
As officers moved into position behind the property, Taylor, who was armed with a bolt-action rifle, was seen pointing the weapon along the corners of the home. According to the investigation, he then fired a single shot toward the wooded area where officers, including McQueen, were positioned. McQueen returned fire, striking Taylor.
Officers administered aid at the scene before Taylor was flown to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he was pronounced dead just over two hours after the initial call.
A rifle was recovered near Taylor, and ballistic evidence confirmed two shell casings found at the scene had been fired from that weapon. No officers or civilians were injured.
Investigators later determined the house fire had been intentionally set with gasoline. The cause was ruled arson following an investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The incident was reviewed under New Jersey’s 2019 law mandating independent oversight of all deaths involving law enforcement encounters. The grand jury heard evidence including body-worn camera footage, 911 recordings, witness statements, forensic reports, and autopsy findings. After deliberation, the jury returned a “no bill” decision, meaning no criminal charges would be filed against McQueen.
OPIA has since referred the case for administrative review in accordance with internal affairs procedures.
—
Key Points
- State grand jury declined to charge Pemberton officer in 2024 fatal shooting of Marvin Taylor
- Taylor fired a rifle at officers behind a burning Browns Mills home before being shot
- Investigators confirmed the house fire had been deliberately set with gasoline
