By: Richard L. Smith
A Somerville man accused in the 2024 fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Mary Rose Fealey has been found competent to stand trial following a new round of psychiatric evaluations and court testimony.
On August 13, Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober ruled that David Shroitman, 30, is competent to proceed with the criminal case against him.
Shroitman had previously been found incompetent to stand trial on April 10, 2025, after multiple doctors evaluated him and testified before the court.
He was subsequently committed to the Ann Klein Forensic Center, where he received treatment aimed at restoring his competency.
During the latest hearing, Judge Tober heard additional testimony from medical professionals, including Dr. Daniel Eddins of Ann Klein.
According to information released by Somerset County authorities, the judge found that Shroitman demonstrated a strong understanding of the facts surrounding his case and determined that continued counseling and medication had improved his ability to meaningfully participate in his defense.
The charges stem from the January 30, 2024 killing of Fealey, who lived on North Bridge Street in Somerville.
Police responded to the area at approximately 10:20 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting an injured and unresponsive woman outside a residential complex.
Officers found Fealey suffering from multiple apparent stab wounds and immediately began life-saving efforts with responding medical personnel.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives from the Somerville Police Department and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation, assisted by crime scene personnel and medical investigators.
An autopsy performed two days later determined that Fealey died from multiple stab wounds, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Shroitman will now be able to proceed through the court process as the homicide case moves toward trial.