By: Richard L. Smith
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability has identified the man and police officer involved in a fatal shooting that occurred on January 5, 2026, in Piscataway. 
The deceased civilian has been identified as 29-year-old Jordan Barnes of Piscataway.
According to a preliminary investigation, officers from the Piscataway Police Department responded to a residence on River Road around 5:30 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from a relative who reported that Barnes was threatening family members inside the home.
When officers arrived, one officer attempted to speak with Barnes through the closed front door while Officer John Ward looked through the door’s sidelight and observed two people lying unresponsive on the floor.
Officers then opened the door and encountered Barnes holding a kitchen knife.
Police ordered him to drop the knife and get on the ground, but he did not comply.
Investigators said three officers deployed tasers, but Barnes continued to move toward them. Officer Ward then fired his service weapon, striking Barnes.
Officers provided medical aid until EMS arrived. Two knives were recovered near Barnes, who was later pronounced dead.
After the shooting, police discovered three additional victims inside the home: Jeanmarie Barnes, 60; Richard A. Barnes, 86; and Brenda F. Barnes, 84. All were found deceased with multiple suspected stab wounds.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating their deaths.