SOMERVILLE, NJ – A New Jersey man is facing murder charges after allegedly following a disturbingly detailed plan to kill a fellow high school alumna, according to officials. The victim, 27-year-old Maryrose Fealey, was reportedly stabbed about 37 times.
The suspect, 27-year-old David Shroitman of Somerville, was arrested on Monday. He has since been charged with first-degree murder, possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and hindering prosecution in Fealey’s death. These charges were announced by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
Fealey was a Rutgers Business School graduate who had worked for the Naval Surface Warfare Center before taking some time off to serve as an advocate for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Well-loved by her community, Fealey was remembered by her colleagues at local nonprofit Not An Easy Fix as a strong supporter with an infectiously radiant smile.
Following her passion, Fealey founded a nonprofit organization called 4TheYoungerMe (4TYM), and collaborated with Empower Somerset and Not An Easy Fix. She was described as an artist, anti-drug activist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, writer, logistician, and an advocate for the underprivileged, with a relentless commitment to empowering youth and others battling addiction.
A horrific scene awaited police when they responded to a 911 call on Jan. 30 about an unresponsive woman near a residential complex on North Bridge Street in Somerville. They discovered Fealey with multiple stab wounds. Pronounced dead at the scene, Fealey had been attacked outside her home after returning from a Bridgewater business, according to an affidavit.
Investigators garnered evidence from surveillance video, stabilized dash cam footage, discovered personal effects, and even a pair of bloodied gloves, eventually leading them to Shroitman. During a warranted search of his residence, they found numerous bleach containers and a manifesto detailing a plan for the homicide. Incriminating evidence, including indications of blood, was also observed in Shroitman’s vehicle.
While a definite motive is yet to be revealed, authorities have confirmed that the suspect and the victim were acquainted. Shroitman, who pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for a detention hearing in Superior Court on Friday.