City Council Asks Attorney General to Expedite Shooting Investigation

New Brunswick officials request faster probe into police killing of 68-year-old woman

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The New Brunswick City Council has passed a resolution asking the New Jersey Attorney General's office to expedite its investigation into the August 2026 police shooting death of 68-year-old Deborah Terrell. Terrell was killed by police after they were called to her apartment building and she emerged holding a knife. The council is seeking a faster conclusion to the state's probe of the incident.

Why it matters

The shooting death of Deborah Terrell, a retired school bus driver, has raised concerns in the New Brunswick community about police use of force, especially involving older residents with potential mental health issues. The city council is pushing for a timely investigation to provide answers and transparency around the incident.

The details

On August 8, 2026, police were called to the John P. Fricano Towers apartment building after a 911 call reported that Terrell was going in and out of her apartment and threatening other tenants with a knife. Body camera footage showed Terrell refusing police commands to drop the knife, leading to officers using pepper spray and a Taser before one officer fatally shooting her. The state Attorney General's office took over the investigation, which the city council now wants expedited.

  • On August 8, 2026, police were called to Terrell's apartment building.
  • In September 2026, the city council voted to request the Attorney General's office investigate the shooting.
  • In January 2027, Jennifer Davenport became the acting New Jersey Attorney General.
  • On February 24, 2027, Davenport was confirmed as Attorney General by the state Senate.

The players

Deborah Terrell

A 68-year-old retired school bus driver who was fatally shot by New Brunswick police.

Jennifer Davenport

The current New Jersey Attorney General, who took over the investigation from the previous Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

New Brunswick City Council

The local government body that passed a resolution requesting the Attorney General's office expedite its investigation into Terrell's death.

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What they’re saying

“We must get to the bottom of this tragic incident as quickly as possible to provide answers and transparency for the community.”

— New Brunswick City Council Member (City Council Meeting Minutes)

What’s next

The Attorney General's office has indicated it will work to conclude the investigation into Deborah Terrell's death in a timely manner, in response to the city council's resolution.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community members, especially regarding the use of force against vulnerable populations. The city council's push for a swift and thorough investigation reflects the need for accountability and trust-building between police and the people they serve.