FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor announced the arrest of Rome Cruz, age 20, Holly Street, Somerset and Christopher Williams, 23, Victoria Drive, Somerset in relation to two separate shootings that occurred on Monday, December 30, 2019 on Barker Road and on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 on King Road, Somerset, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Monday, December 30, 2019, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Franklin Township Police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting multiple shots fired in the area of Barker Road, Franklin Township.
Detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to the scene and determined that approximately twenty-seven shots were fired at a residence on Barker Road that was occupied by a resident at the time.
No injuries were reported during this shooting incident.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at approximately 2:26 a.m., Franklin Township Police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting multiple shots fired in the area of King Road, Franklin Township.
Detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to the scene and determined that approximately thirty shots were fired at a residence on King Road, striking a male resident who occupied the home at the time in the leg.
The victim was treated and released at an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Franklin Township Police Department conducted an investigation into both shootings.
As a result of this investigation which included numerous interviews as well as investigatory leads, defendants Cruz and Williams were identified as two individuals involved in the shootings.
Defendants Cruz and Williams were both taken into custody at separate locations on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that defendant Cruz has been charged with two counts of 1st degree Attempted Murder and one count of 2nd degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
Defendant Cruz was lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing in this matter.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that defendant Williams has been charged with two counts of 1st degree Attempted Murder and one count of 2nd degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
Defendant Williams was also charged with 3rd degree Resisting Arrest. Defendant Williams was lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing in this matter.