The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability released on Mar. 17 mobile video recorder and surveillance footage related to a fatal vehicle collision that occurred on November 9, 2025, in West Deptford. The incident resulted in the death of Jose M. Martinez, age 42, of Lindenwold, and is currently under investigation by the office.
The release of the footage is part of ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and impartiality in investigations involving fatal police encounters. Representatives for Mr. Martinez’s family were given an opportunity to review the recordings before they were made public.
According to the investigation, officers from the West Deptford Police Department responded around 6:00 p.m. to a report about two apparently intoxicated males. Patrolman Conor Goggin attempted to stop a car matching the description provided by dispatch by activating his emergency lights. The driver sped away at high speed, ran a red light at Hessian and Red Bank Avenues, and collided with another vehicle driven by Mr. Martinez, who was killed in the crash while his passenger suffered a leg fracture.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting George Linard, age 24, identified as the driver who fled police and caused the collision. Linard was indicted on multiple charges including two counts of aggravated manslaughter, eluding police, death by auto, four counts of aggravated assault, and fraudulent possession of a government license. Authorities said he had previously used a fraudulent driver’s license under another name when identified during arrest proceedings. All charges are accusations; Linard is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Under state law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment against involved officers.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin leads an agency responsible for protecting residents’ lives and property through legal enforcement across all counties and municipalities according to its official website. The office provides statewide oversight on public safety matters including law enforcement regulation, crime lab support, victim advocacy services, consumer protection initiatives, and legal representation for state agencies according to its official website.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated can be found on the Attorney General’s website.
