Mercer Times

A state grand jury decided not to charge any officers involved in the shooting death of Vincent Correa, aged 44, from Hamilton Township, New Jersey. The incident, which occurred on March 8, 2024, involved an exchange of gunfire with two Hamilton police officers, one of whom was struck by Mr. Correa.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) investigated Mr. Correa’s death. Following the guidelines set by the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019, the case was presented to a grand jury made up of New Jersey residents. In July 2021, OPIA issued standard operating procedures to maintain a neutral and transparent grand jury presentation process.

The investigation comprised interviews, photographs, body camera footage reviews, ballistics findings, and autopsy results. After reviewing the evidence, the grand jury, on April 7, 2025, voted “no bill,” determining no criminal charges would be filed against Officers Derek Fiabane and Paul Piromalli.

According to the investigation, the officers responded on March 8, 2024, to a residence on Orchard Avenue, following a 911 call about a domestic dispute. The caller reported an altercation with an intoxicated household member, Mr. Correa, and mentioned multiple firearms within the residence. On arrival, the officers met the caller outside, who allowed them into the house. Inside, they encountered Mr. Correa armed with a rifle, leading to a gunfire exchange wherein Officer Fiabane was injured but survived, whereas Mr. Correa was fatally wounded. A 5.56 semi-automatic rifle and a 9mm handgun were found on Mr. Correa.

Police body camera footage of the incident was released previously and is available online.

By law, N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the Attorney General’s Office must investigate any deaths occurring during encounters with police officers. Such investigations must be presented to a grand jury to decide if an indictment is warranted. The grand jury receives instructions on possible criminal offenses, including justifications like self-defense.

A conflicts check during the investigation found no issues, and OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner reviewed the case before its grand jury presentation, following SOP guidelines.

At the close of investigations, OPIA assesses if any involved principal should undergo administrative review in line with the AG’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures, ensuring reviews are conducted accurately and promptly.