Grand jury declines to charge Haddon Twp. officer in fatal 2024 police shooting
State investigators say the officer shot a man who advanced toward police while armed with a knife after refusing repeated commands to drop it.
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A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against a Haddon Township police officer in the fatal shooting of a Pennsauken man during a police encounter in November 2024, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced Tuesday.
The grand jury voted "no bill" after completing its deliberations Monday, concluding there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Officer Luke Falkenberg in the death of Keith Edelin, 46.
According to the Attorney General's Office, Haddon Township police responded to a reported attempted burglary at an apartment complex on West Crystal Lake Avenue in the Westmont section of the township at about 1 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2024.
Investigators said officers found blood in the building lobby, elevator and hallway before encountering Edelin on the top landing of a stairwell armed with a knife. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the knife and told him they were there to help, authorities said.
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After an encounter lasting about two minutes, investigators said Edelin came down the stairs toward the officers while still armed with the knife. Falkenberg then fired his service weapon, striking Edelin.
Police rendered medical aid until emergency responders arrived. Edelin was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later. Investigators said a knife was recovered at the scene, and none of the officers were injured.
The investigation, conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, included 911 calls, police radio transmissions, body-worn camera footage, witness and officer statements, a ballistics report and autopsy results. Under New Jersey law, all deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement must be investigated by the Attorney General's Office and presented to a state grand jury.
