Last Updated on February 2, 2023
New Jersey Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, a Republican, was gunned down in a “targeted” shooting outside her home on Wednesday evening. Dwumfour was behind the wheel of a vehicle when she was struck by several bullets, causing her to crash. Police have yet to release details on a suspect or a potential motive, though the New Jersey State Police have launched an investigation.
Dwumfour, 30, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds after crashing her white Nissan SUV near the Camelot at La Mer apartment complex in Sayreville, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office revealed Thursday morning.
A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, told the New York Post that the GOP councilwoman’s car was struck by about 12 shots while traveling down Check Avenue toward Samuel Circle around 7:15 p.m. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after crashing into two parked cars, one of which belonged to the witness.
“She was slumped over the wheel with a black hoodie with brown fur covering her head, her hands were down by her side. There was one bullet hole in the passenger door and a bunch of bullet holes in the driver door. Some other neighbors said they saw someone running away with a mask on.”
Additional witnesses told RLS Media that the gunman was seen running towards the the Garden State Parkway, which edges the complex. Additionally, the New York Post reported that about 20 police officers were seen combing the sides of a Garden State Parkway exit ramp headed toward the Jon Bon Jovi Service Area.
Investigators later revealed that Dwumfour was seen on a video speaking to the shooter just moments before she was killed. Officials have additionally confirmed that Dwumfour appears to have been targeted, though details on a motive or suspect have not been revealed as of Thursday evening.
BREAKING: New Jersey Republican Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was assassinated outside her home. This was the scene overnight in Sayreville where her white SUV crashed after gunshots rang out. Police say it appears she was targeted and are still searching for several suspects. pic.twitter.com/O01Scjcmpm
— Joshua Rodriguez (@Joshuajered) February 2, 2023
Dwumfour had served the Borough of Sayreville since November 2021, when she ousted the sitting Democrat in an upset win.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he was “stunned” by the news of the GOP councilwoman’s assassination. “Her career of public service was just beginning, and by all accounts she had already built a reputation as a committed member of the Borough Council who took her responsibility with the utmost diligence and seriousness,” Murphy said in a statement. “I send my condolences to Councilwoman Dwumfour’s family and friends, her governing body colleagues, and the entire Sayreville community.”
The Middlesex County prosecutor has asked anyone with information about Dwumfour’s death, or access to surveillance footage of the area where the shooting took place, to submit tips to either the Sayreville Police Department or the prosecutor’s office.
