By: Yuritza Arroyo
A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Timothy Parks, 34, of Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, who was shot and fatally wounded by two State Troopers on November 7, 2021.
According to authorities, Mr. Parks’ death was investigated by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.
Authorities say in July 2021; OPIA issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure these grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner, with appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the directive.
The investigation included interviews of witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, review of Body Worn Camera footage, review of motor vehicle recording footage, and autopsy results from the medical examiner.
According to the investigation, this evidence, including video of the incident, as well as video interviews of the involved officers, was presented to the grand jury.
After hearing the testimony and evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations Monday, February 27, and voted “no bill,” meaning the grand jury concluded no criminal charges should be filed against State Troopers Joselo Machuca and Eduardo Tejada.
According to the investigation, New Jersey State Police Troopers Joselo Machuca and Eduardo Tejada responded to a motor vehicle incident on Starlite Hill Road, Knowlton.
Shortly after 1:30 a.m., two Troopers approached a vehicle which was stopped with the front end in a ditch, and in the car were a driver and a dog.
Officials say while Troopers were attempting to communicate with the driver, the driver moved a rifle to the right and fatally shot the dog.
According to Trooper Tejada, Mr. Parks continued to move the rifle to the right toward the direction of Trooper Tejada. Troopers then fired their weapons into the vehicle, fatally wounding Mr. Parks.
Troopers and medical personnel rendered first aid to Mr. Parks, who was subsequently transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania and was pronounced deceased shortly after 2:30 a.m.
