June 26, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella announce the investigation into the events that led to the shooting death of Ruben Walter Martinez, age 21, of Dover, New Jersey ("decedent"), who was shot by Denville Township Police Officer Richard Byrne.

On Thursday June 26, 2008 at approximately 2:14 am, Officer Richard Byrne attempted to effectuate a motor vehicle stop in connection with a motor vehicle violation in the area of Franklin Road and Route 46 East. Preliminary investigation reveals a pursuit ensued. Ultimately, a crash occurred in the area of 1 Geraldine Court and Franklin Road.

Various pieces of evidence were recovered at the scene which will be submitted for further forensic analysis.

Numerous witness statements and other investigative leads are being pursued by members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Professional Standards Unit and Accident Reconstruction Unit. Approximately 30 members of the Legal and Investigative staff of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office have been investigating at the scene from the early morning hours to the present.

The decedent was transported to St. Clare's Hospital in Denville where he was pronounced dead at 2:55 am. Autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending. Officer Byrne was also transported to St. Clare's Hospital where he was treated and released.

Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. stated, "The Morris County Prosecutor's Office along with the Morris County Sheriff's Office is conducting a thorough, independent and objective investigation pursuant to the Attorney General Guidelines. I have already contacted the appropriate personnel of the New Jersey State Attorney General's Office to discuss facts pertaining to the shooting that are known at this time, and will continue to do so throughout the entirety of the investigation. Ultimately, our findings and conclusions will be reported to and reviewed by the Attorney General's Office. We will proceed in a thorough and deliberate manner and not rush to judgment until all of the facts available are gathered and analyzed."

Due to the on-going investigation, additional questions will not be answered by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office or the Denville Township Police Department in order for the investigation to proceed in an unbiased and independent manner.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio