New Jersey police are looking into the shooting death of a man in Belleville, NJ.
According to authorities, the victim was found outside his home in Belleville Township, New Jersey. The victim was already dead when his body was discovered at the house on Hill Street.
A short time after police were notified of the death, detectives with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Unit arrived at the scene.
Although prosecutors have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, they have not shared further details about the death. As a result, it is unclear at this time if the victim’s death is considered a possible homicide.
However, law enforcement sources reportedly revealed to media outlets that the victim died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
If the official investigation uncovers evidence of foul play, police would likely seek suspects in the case. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, first degree murder is the most serious offense in the New Jersey Criminal Code. While most first degree crimes are subject to a potential punishment of up to 20 years in NJ State Prison, first degree murder can result in life imprisonment and parole ineligibility. Moreover, the minimum punishment for a first degree murder conviction is 30 years in state prison.
For more information about this case, access the NJ.com article entitled “Authorities Investigating After Man Found Dead Outside Belleville Home.”