Mercer Times

A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges against New Jersey State Police (NJSP) troopers involved in the death of Daniel King, 30, of Millville, New Jersey. King died following an encounter with NJSP troopers on July 9, 2023.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) conducted the investigation into King's death. The case was presented to a state grand jury as per the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019. This directive mandates that such presentations be neutral and transparent.

The investigation included witness interviews, photographs, video footage review, and autopsy results from the state medical examiner. The evidence was presented to a state grand jury, which deliberated on September 23, 2024. The jurors voted "no bill," meaning they concluded no criminal charges should be filed against any involved troopers.

According to the investigation details, Trooper Mark Allonardo was dispatched on July 8, 2023, around 7 p.m., to assist King in retrieving property from a residence on Fordville Road in Fairfield Township. During this interaction, King became confrontational and attacked Trooper Allonardo. A struggle ensued during which King bit Allonardo’s face. Two civilians intervened and helped restrain King until he was handcuffed.

Troopers Zachary Reichenbach, Nicolas Salamone, and Arturo Sanchez arrived at the scene for backup and assisted in arresting and transporting King to NJSP Bridgeton Station. After his arrest, King experienced a medical episode at the station and became unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts by troopers and subsequent transportation to Inspira Medical Center in Vineland by EMS personnel, King's condition worsened until he died on July 9 at 11:37 p.m. An autopsy revealed that King had phencyclidine (PCP) in his system at the time of his death.

Video footage from body-worn cameras and police-vehicle cameras as well as audio from a recorded 911 call were previously released for public review.

Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), enacted in 2019, the Attorney General’s Office is required to investigate deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement officers or while individuals are in custody. These investigations must be presented to a state grand jury for consideration of potential indictments against involved officers.

A conflicts check found no actual or potential conflict of interest among those assigned to this investigation. OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner reviewed the case before it was presented to the grand jury according to established policies and procedures.

Following these investigations' conclusions under the Independent Prosecutor Directive and SOPs, OPIA decides if any principal should be referred for administrative review according to AG’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures. OPIA oversees any resulting reviews ensuring timely completion and appropriate actions based on findings.