A Deptford Township police officer was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday after he allegedly shot and killed another man inside his home last January.
Investigators say David Compton, 27, was shot in the head inside the home of Officer James Stuart, 29, back on January 5 inside Stuart's home on Stanford Avenue in Deptford Township. Investigators say Stuart was off-duty at the time of the shooting.
Compton was taken to the Cooper Medical Center in Camden. On January 11, he was taken off life support and then died a short time later. His family announced his passing in a press release:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son and brother, David. While it was our hope that David would be able to overcome the injuries he suffered, it has become apparent that, despite receiving the finest medical care, his injuries were just too severe."
Read full family statement here
Stuart was arrested and taken into custody. His bail was set at $250,000, according to authorities.
Deptford Police Chief Daniel Murphy also released a statement regarding the shooting incident.
“We would like to express our sincere condolences and sympathy to the Compton family, especially David Compton’s parents, immediately family and close friends. Members of our police department are devastated by this event and we want the Compton Family to know that we have been praying for David and are very sorry to learn of his passing. We had all hoped and prayed for a different outcome, and want the family to know that they will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss."
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On Wednesday, a Gloucester County grand jury indicted Stuart on two counts of first-degree murder, the first alleging that he "did cause the death of David Compton" and the second alleging that he "knowingly did cause the death of David Compton or knowingly did inflict serious bodily injury upon David Compton which resulted in the said David Compton’s death.”
The grand jury also charged Stuart with first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
An attorney for the officer says Stuart and Compton had a long-term friendship dating back to high school and that the shooting was an accident.
