Wednesday’s shooting death of a New Jersey municipal councilor was exactly one week after Eunice Dwumfour’s unsolved murder.

Russell Heller, 51 years old, was found dead in Somerset’s parking lot at PSE&G (the local energy company where the Milford Republican had worked).

Police quickly identified Gary Curtis (58), a former employee as a suspect and discovered him dead in his car, probably from a self-inflicted gunshot, around three and a quarter hours after the killing.

The murder of the councilman occurred exactly one week after Sayreville Councilwoman Dwumfour, a Republican, was shot to death in her SUV near her home. Her murder remains unsolved.

Authorities have not connected the crimes. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office insists that Heller’s death appeared to be an isolated incident and is not related to his elected office nor political affiliation.

The prosecutor’s office stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine motive, but stressed that Heller was the intended victim.

Gov. Phil Murphy sent “thoughts, prayers,” to Heller’s family and friends following the tragic act of gun violence.

US Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R.N.J), who represents the area, stated that he was shocked and saddened at the “tragic murder” of a fellow Republican.

Kean tweeted, “Russell was a remarkable public servant who proudly represented his river town.”

NJ.com heard Henri Schepens, Milford Mayor, say that the Milford Borough Council was “deeply saddened by this loss and that our hearts go out for his family.”

The mayor stated that Heller was “so full of life, it is just unbelievable that he has gone”.

“This is the first time that something like this has ever happened in borough history. This has shaken us greatly.”

According to the Franklin Reporter & Advocate, Heller was a councilman in Milford since 2020, a borough of Hunterdon County.

Zachary Rich, director of the county board, expressed his shock and grief over the “senseless killing.”

Rich wrote, “Russell was an exemplary and valued member of the Milford/Hunterdon County community whose leadership skills and commitment will be greatly missed.”

He said that Russell was “more importantly, however” a loving and caring dad to his daughter, and a loyal and dedicated friend to all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

PSE&G said that it was offering support to employees following the “tragic, disturbing event.”

According to the energy company, Heller was a senior supervisor in distribution.

“Russell was a respected employee and a superior with more than 11 years of experience with PSE&G. PSE&G stated that he will be missed greatly by everyone and that their thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Curtis was not mentioned or his departure from the company.