New Jersey Police Sergeant Faces Aggravated Manslaughter Charge After Fatal Shooting Incident
A police sergeant from Woodbridge, New Jersey, has been formally indicted on a first-degree aggravated manslaughter charge following the fatal shooting of a man during a late-night encounter in 2025. The case, now moving forward through the legal system, raises serious questions about the use of deadly force by law enforcement and has drawn attention from state authorities.
According to officials, the officer involved, Marco Bruno, was indicted by a state grand jury after an extensive review of the incident. The charge stems from the death of 35-year-old Aamir Allen, a resident of Carteret, who was shot during a police response in the early hours of May 29, 2025.
Authorities reported that police were initially dispatched shortly after 1 a.m. to East Tappen Street following multiple emergency calls about an ongoing assault involving Allen. When officers arrived, they found him walking in the roadway while holding a baseball bat. Officers repeatedly instructed him to drop the bat, but he did not comply and instead continued moving away from them.
The situation escalated when Allen stopped near a closed convenience store in the Port Reading section of Woodbridge. Officers maintained distance while continuing to issue commands for him to drop the weapon. At that point, Sergeant Bruno arrived on the scene after receiving radio updates that Allen had allegedly struck occupied vehicles with the bat.
Investigators say Bruno exited his vehicle, gave verbal commands, and then fired six shots from his service weapon within moments. Allen was struck and later transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead later that morning.
Footage from body-worn cameras, nearby surveillance systems, and recorded 911 calls were reviewed as part of the investigation. The recordings show that the officer discharged his weapon shortly after issuing commands. The footage also indicates that Allen did not appear to advance toward officers at the moment shots were fired.
Following the review of evidence and testimony, the grand jury concluded deliberations and decided to move forward with the indictment. Under New Jersey law, first-degree aggravated manslaughter carries a potential prison sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years. The charge is also subject to the state’s No Early Release Act, meaning a significant portion of the sentence must be served before eligibility for parole.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which is responsible for investigating deaths that occur during police encounters, emphasized its commitment to accountability. Officials stated that while law enforcement officers carry the responsibility of protecting the public, the use of deadly force must always meet strict legal standards.
This case adds to a small number of recent incidents in New Jersey where officers have faced manslaughter charges related to on-duty shootings. It highlights ongoing scrutiny around policing practices and the balance between public safety and lawful use of force.
Sergeant Bruno, a long-serving member of the department with 17 years of service, now faces a legal process that will determine the outcome of the charges against him. As the case proceeds, it is expected to remain a significant point of public and legal attention across the state.
Sources:
New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
Official State Grand Jury Records
