June 30, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella announce the on-going 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 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 reviewed for 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. Numerous members of the Legal and Investigative Staff of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office have been investigating this incident since its inception 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 are conducting a thorough, independent and objective investigation pursuant to the Attorney General Guidelines. Ultimately, our findings and conclusions will be reported to and reviewed by the Attorney General's Office. We continue to proceed in a thorough and deliberate manner. We will not rush to judgment until all of the facts available are gathered and analyzed, and we will issue findings based upon an unbiased set of facts, and not upon supposition, rumors, or with sympathy, bias or prejudice to any interested party.

We will only issue conclusions once all the facts are secured, and only after all relevant witnesses have been interviewed. This ensures the integrity of the investigation, by ensuring that witnesses are not tainted by reports released to the public, and allows the Martinez family the opportunity to ask questions of concern before the matter becomes public. We have extensively discussed this matter with the Martinez family attorney as well.

The following details the status of this comprehensive investigation as of today's date. Further details will be available when the interviews are completed and other investigative and forensic matters have been satisfied.

The accident reconstruction is complete and we are awaiting a final report.

Toxicology reports of the decedent's blood are pending.

We have successfully downloaded the video from the Denville Police vehicle. The video has been reviewed by the MCPO team handling the case and it has assisted us in the investigatory process. The video will be publicly released when it is determined that the release of the information will not taint or affect the integrity of the investigation.

Numerous witness interviews have been conducted and this process is on-going.

Necessary records from the Denville Police Department have been secured and they are in the process of being reviewed.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office legal staff are reviewing all relevant AG use of force guidelines, legal issues, and training standards for police officers on the use of force.

All photos and video recordings taken by investigators are in the process of being reviewed by the investigative team.

There are approximately 6 attorneys, the Prosecutor himself, and approximately 20 detectives from the MCPO that have been working steadily on the case.

There are 5 areas of analysis that the attorneys and detectives are broken down into:

1. The facts of the shooting.
2. Evaluation of the scene and all related facts and evidence
3. The law on use of force and AG guidelines, including officer training given to police officers in NJ.
4. A review of Denville Police records.
5. Forensic evaluations of experts.

At the conclusion of the investigation, a final report will be prepared by me, and be delivered to the New Jersey State Attorney General for her review. This investigation has moved rapidly due to the professionalism of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office staff, the Morris County Sheriff's Office as well as, the cooperation of the Denville Police Department.

This investigation is being done in a thorough, independent and objective manner. We have a duty to the community to share all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Martinez and we will do so only when it is determined that it will not have the capacity to taint the investigatory process.

I recognize the public and media's desire to have information immediately. But, I have an obligation to ensure that the truth of what happened here is secured, without the possibility that witnesses are affected by the premature release of information that is unverified, or when it has the capacity to compromise our ability to get the unadulterated and uninfluenced sworn statements of the witnesses. This would be a disservice to the Martinez family, as well as, Officer Byrne who are entitled to an investigation that is untainted, accurate and fair."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

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

June 25, 2008: A Morris County Grand Jury returned a four count indictment charging Jade Michele Ransom, age 20, of Allentown, Pennsylvania with:

One Count of First Degree Murder
One Count of Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes
One Count of Third Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
One Count of Third Degree Hindering Apprehension

The charges stem from a shooting incident which occurred in Dover on January 27, 2008.At approximately 10:28 pm, a 911 call was received by the Dover Police Department reporting a male subject who was laying on the ground in front of 59 East Blackwell Street in Dover. Upon the arrival of the Dover Police Department and Town of Dover Fire Department, they determined that the male subject had been shot and was deceased.

A lengthy investigation conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Dover Police Department determined that around 10:30pm on January 27, 2008, the victim, Jesus Dimas Rodriguez Marques was found dead on a sidewalk at 59 East Blackwell Street. After a search of the general area, Ransom was found hiding under a pickup truck in the parking lot of 75 East Blackwell Street. A five shot .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver was also located at the scene.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "I have previously applauded the efforts of all of the law enforcement agencies that collected the evidence that led to the defendant's swift arrest. I now applaud the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Detectives and Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, who have continued to prepare this matter and with great speed have brought this case before the Grand Jury. We look forward to bringing the defendant to justice in a court of law in as quick a fashion as is possible."

Ransom is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of $750,000.00 bail.

If convicted of all charges, Ransom faces a maximum potential custodial sentence of approximately life with 85% parole ineligibility in New Jersey State Prison.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

This case is being handled by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Esq. Ransom is represented by, Alan Bowman, Esq., of Newark.

This matter is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200 or CrimeStoppers at 973-COP-CALL.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

June 17,2008: The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Missing Persons Unit, in partnership with the Randolph Township Police Department, has been jointly investigating the disappearance of a 27 year old Randolph woman who was reported missing on June 10, 2008.

Earlier today, members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Missing Persons Unit, Randolph Township Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit along with the Passaic County Sheriff's Office went to a Paterson residence to pursue an investigative lead. Detectives were met by a male subject who has a known association to the missing Randolph woman. At the time detectives were at the Paterson residence, the deceased body of a female subject was found within the residence.

The investigation into the death of this subject is being conducted by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office and the Paterson Police Department. Further information is pending on the identification of the deceased and notification to the victim's family.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This is a tragic set of circumstances and our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim's family. Our investigative and legal resources will work closely with Passaic County authorities to ensure that the investigation moves forward in an expeditious manner."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

June 11, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Washington Township Chief of Police Michael Bailey announce the investigation into an incident involving a male subject who was allegedly in his residence with a weapon.

At approximately 10:44 am, Washington Township police received a call indicating a male subject was located inside his residence with a weapon. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit along with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Hostage Negotiation Team, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT), Washington Township Fire Department and Long Valley Emergency Medical Services responded. The Hostage Negotiation Team was able to make contact with the subject and maintained communication with him for a long period of time. Ultimately, the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team made entry to the residence and the subject was safely removed and transported to an area hospital. Weapons which were contained within the residence were seized.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "The successful outcome of this case is the result of the professionalism which was displayed by the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team, Morris County Prosecutor's Office Hostage Negotiation Team and the Washington Township Police Department. This situation could have had a very different outcome. The tactical application which was demonstrated by the Morris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team was extremely professional and very successful. Nobody was injured and we were able to get the individual the appropriate medical assistance required."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

June 10, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, and Jefferson Township Chief of Police John Palko, Jr. announce that Demetrius Diaz-Bridges, who has been charged with Murder and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in connection with the murder of Elizabeth O'Brien, has been extradited from the Wake County Jail in Raleigh, North Carolina to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

On January 30, 2008 at approximately 5:27 pm, a call was received by the Jefferson Township Police Department requesting assistance at a Nolan's Point Road residence in Jefferson. Upon the arrival of the Jefferson Township Police Department, they found Elizabeth O'Brien, age 49, deceased within her residence.

On January 31, 2008 Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Carlos Fonseca conducted an autopsy and determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

The investigation revealed that at the time of the murder, Demetrius M. Diaz-Bridges, age 19, lived at 150 Nolan's Point Road. He was a neighbor of Elizabeth O'Brien and a friend of one of her two sons. It was also determined that Mr. Bridges stayed at Mrs. O'Brien's residence at 120 Nolan's Point Road on the night of January 29-30, 2008.

On May 2, 2008 Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson Township Police Department located Mr. Bridges in Raleigh. On May 2, 2008 Judge John Triarsi J.S.C. (Union County) authorized the warrant charging Mr. Bridges with First Degree Murder and Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He set the defendant's bail at $1,000,000.00.

The defendant is scheduled to make a first appearance before Judge Ahto tomorrow morning, June 11, 2008.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "We moved with the greatest possible speed under the system which included securing a Governor's Warrant for extradition in New Jersey; having same delivered to the governor of North Carolina; and interfacing with the District Attorney's office in North Carolina to arrange for and process the extradition. The paperwork was filed with an opportunity for the defendant to object and to our knowledge no objection was submitted by the defendant, causing the North Carolina courts to grant permission for New Jersey authorities to remove the defendant from their venue to New Jersey.

Immediately upon notification of the signing of the order, I dispatched Morris County Prosecutor's Office detectives, along with officers from the Jefferson Township Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff's Office to effectuate the immediate return of the defendant to answer these very serious charges. As of 4:40pm, the defendant and detectives arrived safely in Morris County and the defendant has been incarcerated in the Morris County Correctional Facility."

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Jefferson Township Police Department at 973-697-1300 or the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers Program at 973-267-2255.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

June 6, 2008: The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, in conjunction with Morris Hills High School, Rockaway Borough Police Department, Rockaway Township Police Department, Wharton Borough Police Department, Rockaway Borough Fire Department, St. Clare's Emergency Medical Services simulated a mock car crash at the Morris Hills High School. The cooperative program was designed to educate students about the perils of drinking and driving and to promote safety on the roads.

Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi stated "The timing of this program was designed around the prom, graduation and summer vacation. The all day event included programs in which students wrote their own obituaries, participated in the mock crash scene as well as other presentations informing new drivers of the risks involved with speeding and aggressive driving.

It is important for us to continue promoting these types of events in order to educate our youth and to proactively interdict before they get into trouble. I want to get to these students now, before they get to my office or the Medical Examiner later.

This program is part of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office proactive community outreach with our other community partners. Nothing is worse than being responsible for making a death notification. I am hopeful that our cooperative message was heard loud and clear. If it was heard by one it is worth the effort."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

June 6, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq, Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella, Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford, and Morristown Chief of Police Peter Demnitz announce the investigation and arrest in connection with a shooting which took place in the early morning hours of May 29, 2008 in the area of Maple Avenue in Morristown. Danielle "Dee" Jones, age 20, of Newark, was arrested and charged with:

One count of First Degree Attempted Murder
One count of Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
One count of Second Degree Possession of a Weapon Without a Permit

An investigation revealed that in the early morning hours of May 29, 2008, the defendant allegedly fired several shots at the victim while he was entering a Maple Avenue residence. The defendant then allegedly pulled the weapon from the waistband of her pants and pointed the weapon directly into the victim's stomach and fired the weapon. The victim pushed her away and the defendant then allegedly fired several more shots as he entered the premises.

The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility. Bail was set by the Honorable Salem Vincent Ahto at $500,000.00 no 10% option.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "I am extremely impressed and grateful to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office detectives and Morristown Police Department detectives who worked cooperatively since the day of this incident to follow all investigative leads, interviews of numerous witnesses, and collect evidence that led to the successful arrest of this defendant. It is expressive of our commitment to ensure that crimes of violence are aggressively pursued and prosecuted."

The matter is currently being investigated by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the Morris County Sheriff's Department and the Morristown Police Department.

If anyone has any further information they are encouraged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at 973-285-6200, the Morristown Police Department at 973-538-2200 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office CrimeStoppers Program at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255).

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio

June 5, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. and Morris County Prosecutor's Office Deputy Chief of Investigations William Schievella announce the charging of Chester resident Seymour Rosenfarb, age 70; Andover resident Stephen Rivera, age 60; and the corporation Royal Terminals, Inc. located in Netcong. Each were charged with:

One count of Third Degree discharging a pollutant without a valid New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) Permit

On November 26, 2007, at approximately 1:00 pm, members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit responded to Royal Terminals, Inc. located at 14 Flanders Road in Netcong, New Jersey to investigate the cause of a large fuel oil spill which had occurred at that address at approximately 9:30 am. The registered owner of 14 Flanders Road, Netcong is Seymour Rosenfarb, who is president of Royal Terminals, Inc. Stephen Rivera is the site manager at that location.

The investigation revealed that on November 26, 2007, between the hours of 9:00-10:00am, a delivery of fuel oil was made to the Royal Terminal facility. During the delivery of fuel, the above ground storage tank being filled with fuel oil overflowed allowing approximately 3,000 gallons of fuel oil to spill. The fuel oil went initially onto the ground and subsequently, due to an ineffective containment system, migrated to a nearby storm drain and ultimately entered into a tributary of the Musconetcong River.

The arrest was the result of a continuing investigation conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit, the Borough of Netcong Police Department, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Division of Criminal Justice Environmental Crimes Bureau.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "We are committed to preserving our precious natural resources from contamination by persons who so carelessly violate the sanctity of same. This investigation and charges represent our commitment to aggressively prosecute those who dare to irreparably harm our environment for our future generations, and our commitment to protect the wildlife whose survival depends upon keeping our environment free from being poisoned."

The investigation is ongoing and Prosecutor Bianchi is asking anyone that may have information to contact the Morris County Prosecutor's Office at (973) 285-6200.

Despite these pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a jury trial at which the defendant has all of his rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio