SOMERVILLE, New Jersey – A man from Somerville, New Jersey, has been charged with murder for the brutal stabbing of a 27-year-old woman, following a detailed plan outlined in a manifesto, authorities reported.
The victim, Maryrose Fealey, graduated from Rutgers Business School in 2018 and worked as a federal employee at the Naval Surface Warfare Center. She had taken a break from work to focus on advocating for people struggling with drug addiction. Described as a visual artist, anti-drug activist, and champion of the underdog, Fealey was committed to empowering youth and those battling addiction, according to her obituary.
The suspect, David Shroitman, also a graduate of Somerville High School in 2014, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and hindering prosecution. The arrest came after Fealey was found unresponsive outside a residential complex in Somerville, with multiple stab wounds.
Authorities obtained evidence including a manifesto detailing a step-by-step plan for the homicide and surveillance footage showing a man matching Shroitman’s description at the scene around the time of the murder. Detectives also found several bleach containers and reportedly detected blood at Shroitman’s home.
Shroitman, who pleaded not guilty through his public defender, is scheduled to appear before a judge for a detention hearing. A motive for the murder has not been released, but authorities confirmed that the suspect and the victim knew each other.
The victim’s friends and colleagues described Fealey as an unwavering advocate for those battling addiction and a compassionate supporter of others. The community is left grieving and seeking justice for the tragic loss of Fealey, a young woman dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.