By: Richard L. Smith
A New Jersey state grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges following its review of the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Shamar Leggette of Brooklyn, New York, by U.S. Marshals in South Brunswick on January 24, 2024, according to information released in a statement by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Leggette was one of three suspects accused in the robbery of Bishop Lamor Whitehead at Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie on July 24, 2022. Two of the robbery suspects have already been caught, but Leggette remained at large.
The investigation into the incident was conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and adhered to the guidelines of the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.
Evidence, including witness interviews, surveillance footage, photographs, and autopsy results, was presented to the grand jury, which deliberated and returned a "no bill" decision on January 6, 2025, indicating no charges would be filed.
The shooting occurred during an operation to execute an arrest warrant at a motel on Route 1 South in South Brunswick.
Leggette, wanted for armed robbery in New York and Rhode Island, was one of two suspects targeted in the operation.
While a female suspect surrendered peacefully, Leggette refused to exit the motel room despite repeated commands and the deployment of non-lethal irritants.
After calling the motel’s front desk to say he would surrender, Leggette exited the room at approximately 2:47 p.m., armed with two firearms.
He exchanged gunfire with members of the task force and was fatally shot.
Authorities recovered two firearms at the scene, and no officers were injured.
As required by New Jersey law, the case was presented to a grand jury to determine if evidence supported criminal charges against the officers involved.
The grand jury considered the potential for criminal offenses, including self-defense and legal justification, before concluding no charges were warranted.
The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that its process ensures impartiality and transparency, with all findings reviewed under established guidelines.
The surveillance footage of the incident remains publicly available online for review.