SOMERVILLE, N.J. — A Superior Court judge has found a Somerville man accused of murdering 27-year-old Mary Rose Fealy competent to stand trial, clearing the way for criminal proceedings to resume in one of Somerset County’s most closely watched homicide cases.
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober ruled on Thursday that David Shroitman, 30, of Somerville, is competent to stand trial in connection with Fealy’s fatal stabbing outside her North Bridge Street home on January 30, 2024.
Shroitman had previously been found incompetent to stand trial on April 10, 2025, following testimony from multiple medical experts. Judge Tober ordered that he be committed to the Ann Klein Forensic Center for treatment aimed at restoring his competency.
Judge credits treatment at Ann Klein Forensic Center
Following a new competency hearing on August 13, Judge Tober determined that Shroitman is now capable of understanding the proceedings against him and assisting in his defense.
The prosecutor’s office said Judge Tober found that Dr. Daniel Eddins of Ann Klein Forensic Center “offered one of the most honest and forthright expert opinions that the Court heard.”
The judge also noted that Shroitman’s behavior changed after he was deemed competent following Dr. Eddins’ evaluation, including “overstressing or highlighting his stated symptoms.”
According to the court’s findings, Shroitman now has “an extraordinarily competent understanding of the facts of his case,” and continued counseling and medication have increased his ability to participate meaningfully in his defense.
Victim was found fatally stabbed outside her home
Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 10:20 p.m. on January 30, 2024, reporting an unresponsive woman outside a residential complex on North Bridge Street.
Officers found Mary Rose Fealy suffering from multiple apparent stab wounds and immediately began life-saving efforts alongside emergency medical personnel. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A postmortem examination conducted by the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Fealy died from multiple stab wounds and ruled her death a homicide.
Investigation led to suspect’s arrest days later
Detectives from the Somerville Police Department and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit investigated the killing and identified Shroitman as a suspect.
Investigators obtained a Superior Court search warrant for Shroitman’s residence, vehicle, and person on February 4, 2024. Authorities executed the warrant later that night, detained Shroitman, and formally charged him the following day.
“The investigation revealed that defendant Shroitman was known to the victim,” the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office said.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael McLaughlin and Assistant Prosecutor Catlin Davis with assistance from Paralegal Supervisor Amy Vandergoot.
Shroitman’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 14.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
- A judge ruled David Shroitman is now competent to stand trial in the 2024 killing of Mary Rose Fealy.
- Shroitman had spent more than a year at Ann Klein Forensic Center after previously being found incompetent.
- The next court hearing is scheduled for September 14.
FAQ
- Who is charged in the case?
David Shroitman, 30, of Somerville. - Who was the victim?
Mary Rose Fealy, 27, who lived on North Bridge Street in Somerville. - Why was the trial delayed?
Shroitman was previously found incompetent to stand trial and was committed for psychiatric treatment to restore competency. - What did the judge rule?
Judge Peter J. Tober found that Shroitman is now competent to understand the proceedings and assist in his defense. - When is the next court date?
September 14.
Sources: Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office; Superior Court proceedings before Judge Peter J. Tober.
