Man Charged with Murder, Arson After Deadly Arrow Attack in New Jersey

Suspect barricaded himself in home, set fires during standoff with police

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single arrow shaft against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the weapon used in a tragic crime.A single arrow shaft, the focus of a violent attack that has left a community searching for answers.Kearny Today

A 44-year-old man in Kearny, New Jersey has been charged with murder and arson after allegedly striking a 45-year-old victim with an arrow, then barricading himself in his home and setting multiple fires during a tense standoff with law enforcement.

Why it matters

This shocking incident has left the local community reeling, raising questions about mental health resources, conflict resolution programs, and whether law enforcement could have de-escalated the situation sooner to prevent further tragedy.

The details

On the evening of December 22, 2025, police responded to a call about an injured man in Kearny and found 45-year-old Pablo Criollo who had been struck by an arrow. Criollo was pronounced dead shortly after. Authorities identified 44-year-old Oscar Feijoo as the primary suspect. When a SWAT team arrived at Feijoo's residence, he refused to surrender and instead set multiple fires within the home, leading to a lengthy standoff.

  • On the evening of December 22, 2025, police responded to the initial call about an injured man.
  • Feijoo barricaded himself in his home and set multiple fires during the standoff with police.

The players

Pablo Criollo

A 45-year-old man from Harrison, New Jersey who was fatally struck by an arrow.

Oscar Feijoo

A 44-year-old man from Kearny, New Jersey who has been charged with murder and arson in relation to the attack.

Wayne Mello

The Acting Hudson County Prosecutor who identified Feijoo as the primary suspect.

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What they’re saying

“My husband was a good man—a great man. I'm devastated, not only for me but for my daughter.”

— Criollo's Wife

What’s next

The judge will decide on January 3rd whether to grant bail for Oscar Feijoo as he awaits trial.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for better mental health resources and conflict resolution programs in local communities to prevent such senseless acts of violence. It also raises questions about law enforcement's response and whether de-escalation tactics could have been more effective.