Russell D. Heller, a councilman in Milford, New Jersey, was shot dead, according to a report.
According to NJ.com, officials said Wednesday evening Heller was shot and killed outside of the PSE&G Somerset Central Division Headquarters by a former co-worker that morning.
The outlet reported Heller was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
“The Milford Borough Council is deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to his family,” Milford Mayor Henri Schepens said, per NJ.com.
The statement continues, “He was so full of life, it’s just unbelievable that he’s gone. Something like this has never happened in borough history. We are very shaken by this.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) tweeted, “I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.”
I am shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Milford Councilman Russell Heller. Russell was an outstanding public servant who proudly represented the river town he loved. My prayers are with his family and the Milford community.
— Congressman Tom Kean (@CongressmanKean) February 8, 2023
Zachary T. Rich, director of the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners, told NJ.com Heller was a “dedicated and valuable member of the Milford and Hunterdon County community whose leadership and commitment will be sorely missed.”
He added, “More importantly, however, Russell was a loving and caring father to his daughter and a dedicated and loyal friend to all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Second Republican New Jersey Lawmaker Shot Dead Within a Week https://t.co/ln5wQviQpt
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) February 9, 2023
According to the report, 58-year-old Gary T. Curtis was identified as the suspect and discovered inside a car.
He was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the outlet reported, citing the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Heller’s death comes exactly one week after Eunice K. Dwumfour, a Republican councilwoman serving in Sayreville, New Jersey, was killed outside of her home, IJR reported.
The 30-year-old was also fatally shot.
Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick said Dwumfour was a “dedicated member of our Borough Council who was truly committed to serve all of our residents.”
She called the murder a “despicable criminal act.”