New Jersey councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour has died after reportedly being shot and killed while in her car on Wednesday evening. According to ABC News, police are still investigating her sudden death but are already ruling it as a homicide, and whoever shot the 30-year-old appeared to have planned the attack which occurred at 7:30 PM last night.
Dwumfour was found inside her white SUV outside of her home in Sayreville and was pronounced dead at the scene. The report further mentions that she had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and may have been hit while driving as her car ended up crashing into two parked cars. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy released a statement pertaining to Dwumfour’s sudden death.
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
He wrote, “I am stunned by the news of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour’s murder last evening in an act of gun violence,” further stressing how nobody can remember the last time a sitting politician had been shot and killed in the state. “We can’t remember who that is,” he added. “It’s just a shocking, shocking development.”
One of the neighbors who claimed to have heard the gunshots on Wednesday evening says she was still shaking about what unfolded right outside of her home last night.
“I heard loud gunshots, at least five in a row, and then I think there was a little delay and then I think five more,” Marybeth Sgrillo shared with USA Today. “Something you would hear, you know, if somebody wanted to kill somebody,” Sgrillo said. “It was very loud, I live right here, it was like it was right outside the door.”
The woman continued to share that incidents as such are very uncommon in the neighborhood, which is why everyone has been left so startled by the attack that occurred last night. “Not in Sayreville, not in this complex. You can walk your dog at night,” she continued. “My heart is still pounding, my heart, it still thumping away. It was scary.
Republican Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour was targeted and murdered outside of her home. Police have yet to release a motive. Let’s hope the motive for this awful crime is released to the public soon. The people deserve answers.
pic.twitter.com/uuBUyQoPnJ— Charles R Downs (@TheCharlesDowns) February 2, 2023
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Sgrillo said that Dwumfour was well-respected in her community and always presented herself in a kind manner. She further noted how Dwumfour would always dress “nice and pretty,” but presumes that something bad must have happened for someone to have wanted her dead.
Police are still working on a motive as they continue to investigate the death and conduct interviews that will lead them to a potential suspect.