Rally held to demand justice for New Brunswick woman killed by police

The incident occurred on Aug. 8th, when officers responded to reports of a woman holding a knife and threatening residents at an apartment building near Neilson Street.

Jenni Portorreal

Aug 20, 2025, 10:38 PM

Updated 2 hr ago

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Dozens gathered in New Brunswick on Wednesday afternoon to demand justice for 68-year-old Deborah Terrell, who was fatally shot by police during a mental health crisis earlier this month.
The incident occurred on Aug. 8. Officers responded to reports of a woman holding a knife and threatening residents at an apartment building near Neilson Street. According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, law enforcement used pepper spray and a taser during the encounter. One officer ultimately fired multiple shots.
Terrell was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she later died.
Family members say Terrell had a history of mental health and had recently changed her medication.
Investigators with the state Attorney General’s Office continue to investigate the case and will determine if the use of force was justified.