Prosecutor Tries to Keep Records Secret in Killing of Sayreville, NJ, Councilwoman
SAYREVILLE — Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone is trying to keep a lid on information about the slaying of a borough councilwoman, whose shooting death has spurred online conspiracy theories.
Several media outlets have submitted Open Public Records requests to Ciccone's office requesting records connected to the investigation including incident reports, autopsy reports, police body cam footage and 911 call audio related to the shooting of Eunice Dwumfour.
One of the outlets, MyCentralJersey.com, said Ciccone planned to file a motion to keep the documents under wraps to protect the privacy of Dwumfour's family and preserve the ability to get a "just conviction."
The recipient of an OPRA request has seven days to respond with the documents requested, a denial or a request for an extension.
The prosecutor's office has not released any information about the shooting since its initial announcement.
GoFundMe for her daughter
The borough on its Facebook page linked to a GoFundMe page created by Nicolas Teliano, who said he and Dwumfour had a daughter together.
"Eunice was only 30 years old when her life was cut short by a senseless act of violence. We must continue to say her name and solidify her legacy of faith, inclusiveness, grit, and positivity into the fabric of Sayreville and the nation," Teliano wrote. "If you knew Eunice, you'd know that besides her faith, her world revolved around her daughter Nicole."
Her husband, Eze Kings, who lives in Nigeria, posted a video Wednesday on his Facebook page of him dancing with Dwumfourng at their wedding. The post is captioned "Missed you my lovely wife. Justice for you" with three crying emojis.
Honoring Eunice Dwumfour a week after her death
Flags are flying at half-mast in Dwumfour's honor Wednesday per an executive order by Gov. Phil Murphy.
“Her death is a tragic loss for her family, friends, the Sayreville community, and our state. Tammy and I continue to pray for her loved ones and those who were fortunate enough to know her as they grieve during this difficult time," Murphy wrote.
The borough holds a memorial service for slain councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour at Epic Church International at 6 p.m. with speakers from political colleagues and family.
Ciccone asked anyone with information about the shooting or video to call her office at 732-745-3477 or Sayreville police at 732-727-4444.