State grand jury declines charges in the death of Daniel King after police encounter

October 1, 2024

A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges in the death of Daniel King, 30, of Millville, New Jersey, following a police encounter in July 2023. The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) led the investigation, presenting evidence to the grand jury as per the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.

The grand jury’s decision, reached on September 23, came after a thorough review of witness interviews, video footage, and autopsy results. The evidence presented included video from body-worn cameras and other sources. After deliberating, the jury voted “no bill,” meaning they found no basis for criminal charges against the state troopers involved.

On July 8, 2023, Trooper Mark Allonardo responded to a call on Fordville Road in Fairfield Township. Daniel King had requested police assistance to retrieve property from the location. According to investigators, King became confrontational and attacked Trooper Allonardo, biting him during the struggle. Civilians at the scene assisted in subduing King until backup arrived.

King was arrested and transported to a New Jersey State Police station in Bridgeton, where he became unresponsive following a medical episode. He was taken to Inspira Medical Center, where he died on July 9. The autopsy report revealed King had phencyclidine (PCP) in his system at the time of his death.

Footage and audio recordings from the incident have been made publicly available.

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