City of New Brunswick, NJ
08/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2026 20:17
State Grand Jury Declines to File Criminal Charges Regarding Police-Involved Shooting
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (August 4, 2026) - A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against New Brunswick police officer Josue Plaza who was involved in the shooting death of 68-year-old Deborah Terell on August 8, 2025.
A full statement from the New Jersey Attorney Generals' Office can be found at: State Grand Jury Declines to File Criminal Charges in Connection with August 8, 2025 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in New Brunswick - New Jersey Office of Attorney General
Following the announcement from the Attorney General's Office, Mayor Jim Cahill stated, "The grand jury's determination follows an independent investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability of the New Jersey Attorney General's Office and an examination of the facts and evidence surrounding this tragic incident. Under New Jersey Law, all deaths that occur during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in his official capacity are investigated by the Attorney General's Office and presented to a grand jury.
That process provides the most comprehensive review of this matter. After completing its review, the grand jury determined that no criminal charges should be filed against Officer Plaza. This finding does not diminish the profound loss experienced by Ms. Deborah Terrell's family, friends, and neighbors. A life was lost, and I again extend my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her. No legal determination can lessen their grief or erase the pain caused by the events of that morning.
We must also recognize the lasting trauma experienced by Officer Plaza and his family. Police officers are trained to make extraordinarily difficult decisions under dangerous and rapidly evolving circumstances, but that training cannot shield them or their loved ones from the emotional consequences of taking a life. Officer Plaza will carry the weight of this incident for the rest of his life.
A grand jury's decision in a case of this gravity is never simple or made lightly. It reflects careful consideration of the evidence and the law. As a community, we must respect the conclusion of this independent process while continuing to approach everyone affected by this tragedy with compassion, dignity, and understanding."
A full statement from the New Jersey Attorney Generals' Office can be found at: State Grand Jury Declines to File Criminal Charges in Connection with August 8, 2025 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in New Brunswick - New Jersey Office of Attorney General
Following the announcement from the Attorney General's Office, Mayor Jim Cahill stated, "The grand jury's determination follows an independent investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability of the New Jersey Attorney General's Office and an examination of the facts and evidence surrounding this tragic incident. Under New Jersey Law, all deaths that occur during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in his official capacity are investigated by the Attorney General's Office and presented to a grand jury.
That process provides the most comprehensive review of this matter. After completing its review, the grand jury determined that no criminal charges should be filed against Officer Plaza. This finding does not diminish the profound loss experienced by Ms. Deborah Terrell's family, friends, and neighbors. A life was lost, and I again extend my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her. No legal determination can lessen their grief or erase the pain caused by the events of that morning.
We must also recognize the lasting trauma experienced by Officer Plaza and his family. Police officers are trained to make extraordinarily difficult decisions under dangerous and rapidly evolving circumstances, but that training cannot shield them or their loved ones from the emotional consequences of taking a life. Officer Plaza will carry the weight of this incident for the rest of his life.
A grand jury's decision in a case of this gravity is never simple or made lightly. It reflects careful consideration of the evidence and the law. As a community, we must respect the conclusion of this independent process while continuing to approach everyone affected by this tragedy with compassion, dignity, and understanding."
City of New Brunswick, NJ published this content on August 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 05, 2026 at 02:17 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]