New Jersey Mayor Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Lawyer Over Claims Tied to Police Officer’s Death Case
A legal dispute in New Jersey has escalated after Deptford Township Mayor Paul Medany filed a defamation lawsuit against a lawyer who had publicly linked him to the death of a police officer during a prior civil case. The situation has drawn attention to an ongoing debate over political responsibility, public statements, and the boundaries of legal criticism.
The case traces back to the tragic death of Deptford Police Officer Robert J. Shisler, who was fatally wounded in March 2023 while responding to an incident on patrol. According to official accounts, the 27-year-old officer encountered a man identified as Mitchell O. Negron Jr. during a stop on Delsea Drive. A chase followed, which ended in a violent confrontation where both individuals were shot. Negron died at the scene, while Officer Shisler later died from his injuries nearly two months afterward.
In the aftermath of the incident, Shisler’s family filed a civil lawsuit in state court. The lawsuit accused Mayor Medany of failing to properly fund and support the township police department. It alleged that insufficient staffing, limited training resources, and lack of essential equipment contributed to conditions that worsened the outcome of the fatal encounter. Among the claims was that the department did not have certain emergency tools, including GPS-related support systems and advanced training for controlling severe injuries in the field.
The lawsuit further suggested that tensions between township leadership and police officials may have influenced budgetary decisions, which the filing argued played a role in the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death. These claims were strongly disputed by the township at the time, with officials stating that responsibility for such decisions rests with the entire governing body rather than a single individual, and that the allegations contained inaccuracies and political assumptions.
The current dispute began after attorney Jacqueline M. Vigilante, who represented the Shisler family in the earlier case, made public comments that Mayor Medany says damaged his reputation. In his newly filed lawsuit, Medany argues that Vigilante’s statements went beyond legal advocacy and entered the territory of defamation. He claims the remarks were made during a politically sensitive period and were intended to influence public perception during an election cycle.
According to the filing, Medany asserts that Vigilante either knew her statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for their accuracy. The mayor’s complaint also points to specific media appearances where he believes his role was misrepresented, leading to public criticism and reputational harm in the community. He is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages, though the amount has not been specified.
Attorney Vigilante has rejected the allegations, describing the lawsuit as without merit and suggesting it is politically motivated. She has stated that she has not yet been formally served with the legal complaint and expects it to be dismissed.
The legal conflict highlights broader tensions surrounding accountability in public office, especially when government decisions are later connected to tragic events. While the Shisler family’s civil lawsuit against the township remains ongoing, this separate defamation case adds another layer to an already sensitive and complex legal situation.
For now, the courts will determine whether the mayor’s claims against the attorney meet the legal standard for defamation or whether the statements fall under protected legal advocacy.
Sources:
State Superior Court filings (New Jersey)
