Mercer Times

A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges in the case of Shamar Leggette, a 41-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, who was fatally shot by members of the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. The incident occurred on January 24, 2024, in South Brunswick, New Jersey.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) conducted an investigation into Mr. Leggette's death and presented its findings to a state grand jury. This process followed the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019 and included standard operating procedures to ensure neutrality and transparency.

The investigation involved witness interviews, analysis of surveillance footage, and autopsy results. After reviewing the evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on January 6, 2025, voting "no bill," which means no criminal charges will be filed against any task force members involved.

According to the investigation details, on January 24, 2024, around 2:05 p.m., task force officers were executing an arrest warrant at a motel in South Brunswick for two suspects linked to several felony investigations. Mr. Leggette was wanted for armed robbery in New York and Rhode Island. A female suspect wanted for drug distribution in Pennsylvania surrendered peacefully shortly after officers arrived.

Despite repeated commands over a loudspeaker for Mr. Leggette to surrender, he did not respond initially. At approximately 2:44 p.m., officers used non-lethal oleoresin capsicum canisters to prompt him to exit the room. Mr. Leggette then contacted the motel front desk stating his intention to surrender.

At about 2:47 p.m., Mr. Leggette exited with firearms in each hand and exchanged gunfire with eight task force members before being pronounced dead at the scene. Two firearms were recovered near him; no officers were injured during the incident.

Surveillance footage related to the shooting has been released online as part of public records.

New Jersey law mandates that 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 potential indictment decisions regarding involved officers.

The investigation underwent review by OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner before being presented to the grand jury as per established procedures. A conflicts check found no issues among those assigned to this case.

Following such investigations, OPIA decides if any principal should undergo administrative review by appropriate law enforcement agencies according to internal affairs policies. OPIA oversees these reviews ensuring timely completion and necessary actions based on findings.