SOMERVILLE, New Jersey – A 27-year-old man from Somerville, New Jersey has been charged with the murder of a former high school classmate, Maryrose Fealey. The victim, a 27-year-old woman, was brutally stabbed approximately 37 times. The suspect, David Shroitman, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and hindering prosecution in connection to Fealey’s death. Shroitman and Fealey reportedly knew each other as they both graduated from Somerville High School in 2014.
Fealey, a graduate of Rutgers Business School, had worked for the Naval Surface Warfare Center. She was also an advocate for people addicted to drugs, involved in nonprofits such as 4TheYoungerMe (4TYM), Empower Somerset, and Not An Easy Fix. According to a friend, she was a visual artist, anti-drug activist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, committed to empowering youth and those battling addiction.
On January 30th, police responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive woman outside a residential complex and found Fealey with multiple apparent stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts failed. A probable cause affidavit obtained by Patch.com reported that Fealey was stabbed about 37 times after arriving home from a business in Bridgewater. Surveillance footage and evidence found during the investigation link Shroitman to the crime, leading to his arrest.
Shroitman pleaded not guilty through his public defender, Emma Pallarino, during his first appearance before a judge and is scheduled to have a detention hearing before Superior Court Judge Jonathan Romankow. The motive behind the brutal murder has not been released by authorities.
This tragic and brutal crime has shocked the community and left loved ones in mourning. Fealey has been remembered as an advocate, activist, and a kind-hearted individual. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details about this senseless and heartbreaking crime.