Somerville, New Jersey – A 27-year-old man from Somerville, New Jersey, has been charged with the murder of a woman he went to high school with. David Shroitman allegedly stabbed 27-year-old Maryrose Fealey about 37 times while following a detailed plan outlined in a manifesto.
Fealey, a 2018 graduate of Rutgers Business School, had worked as a federal employee for the Naval Surface Warfare Center before dedicating her life to advocating for people struggling with addiction. She was involved with multiple nonprofits and was described as a visual artist, activist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Shroitman and Fealey graduated from Somerville High School in 2014, and authorities have confirmed that the two knew each other. Fealey was found with multiple stab wounds outside a residential complex on North Bridge Street in Somerville and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dash cam video and surveillance footage from a nearby home implicated Shroitman, and a search of his home turned up a detailed plan for the homicide, as well as evidence of cleaning and attempted cover-up of the crime scene.
Shroitman was arrested and has pleaded not guilty through his public defender, Emma Pallarino, in his first appearance before a judge. He is scheduled to have a detention hearing before Superior Court Judge Jonathan Romankow soon.
The motive for the murder has not been released, and Shroitman faces charges of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and hindering prosecution. This tragic incident has left the community reeling and seeking justice for Fealey’s senseless death.