FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella Spruill announced the identification of homicide victim Duane S. Banks, 27, Park Street, Franklin Township, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Wednesday, at approximately 6:38 p.m., Franklin Township Police responded to a suspicious activity call at a residence on Park Street, Franklin Township, New Jersey.
Responding Officers made contact with numerous individuals near the residence who relayed to officers that they had located a body in the wooded area towards the rear of the residence.
Officers confirmed the presence of a deceased individual and secured the area as a crime scene.
Detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and Investigator’s from the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office responded to conduct the investigation.
An autopsy performed by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified the victim as Duane S. Banks.
The matter has been deemed a homicide. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Duane S. Banks was the intended victim.
No further information is being released to the public at this time in an attempt to maintain the integrity of the on-going homicide investigation.