Grand jury declines to charge New Jersey State Police detective in fatal 2025 West Berlin shooting
The Attorney General's Office said jurors found no basis for criminal charges after reviewing evidence in the fatal police encounter.
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A state grand jury has declined to bring criminal charges against a New Jersey State Police detective in the fatal shooting of a Camden County man during an encounter with members of the U.S. Marshals Service last year.
The Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday that the grand jury voted “no bill” after reviewing the July 29, 2025, shooting death of Shawn Phillips, 37, of West Berlin.
The shooting was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, as required under New Jersey law for deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement. Investigators reviewed police radio transmissions, body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, witness and officer statements, a ballistics report and autopsy results before presenting the case to the grand jury.
According to investigators, two New Jersey State Police detectives assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force were investigating Phillips when they saw him standing on the front steps of a residence on Haddon Avenue near Bate Avenue in West Berlin.
RELATED: New video released of deadly 2025 police-involved shooting in West Berlin
Authorities said one detective, who was wearing plain clothes and a tactical vest marked “Police,” approached Phillips and ordered him not to move. Investigators said Phillips reached into his right front pants pocket and pulled out a firearm. The detective then fired three shots, striking Phillips.
The detective rendered medical aid until emergency responders arrived. Phillips was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators said a loaded revolver was recovered at the scene.
The grand jury completed its deliberations on July 13 and concluded there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges against the detective.
