A 27-year-old man from Somerville, New Jersey, has been indicted by a grand jury in Somerset County on charges of murder and other offenses following the death of his former classmate.
David Shroitman allegedly stabbed 27-year-old Mary Rose Fealey multiple times before abandoning her outside a residential complex on North Bridge Street.
The indictment, issued on Thursday, includes charges of murder, stalking, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and hindering the apprehension of prosecution against Shroitman.
Fealey was pronounced dead at the scene after police responded to the incident at approximately 10:20 p.m. on January 30.
Evidence against Shroitman emerged through various sources. The police became suspicious of him after receiving information from acquaintances. When officers attempted to speak with him at a business in Bridgewater, they observed items in his vehicle, including a black face gaiter similar to one seen in surveillance footage near the crime scene.
Additionally, officers witnessed Shroitman wearing gloves while cleaning his vehicle on another occasion, with a puddle of bleach found nearby. A subsequent search of Shroitman’s residence yielded containers of bleach, blood traces in the entryway and bathroom, and clothing matching the attire seen in surveillance footage.
Authorities also discovered a “manifesto” detailing a plan for Fealey’s demise, though its contents were not disclosed.
While a motive for the alleged killing remains unclear, investigators confirm that Fealey was acquainted with Shroitman, as both graduated from Somerville High School in 2014.
Shroitman was arrested nearly a week after Fealey’s death and is currently held at Somerset County Jail. He entered a not-guilty plea during his initial court appearance.
Law enforcement continues to seek information from the public. Individuals with relevant details can contact the SCPO Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Somerville Police Department at 908-725-0331.
