8 NJ Correctional Officers Indicted in Connection to Inmate's Death

Grand Jury Indicts Three Atlantic County Correctional Officers and Five Hamilton Police Officers in Connection with Inmate's Death

The officers face charges including manslaughter and official misconduct after the inmate died in custody.

A state grand jury has indicted three Atlantic County Correctional Officers and five Hamilton Township Police Officers in connection with the death of Mario Terruso, 41, who died after being lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility on September 15, 2019.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the indictment of Atlantic County Correctional Sgt. Eric Tornblom and Correctional Officer Mark Jenigen on manslaughter charges, while Tornblom, Jenigen, and Correctional Lt. Jesse Swartzentruver also face official misconduct charges. The grand jury indicted Hamilton Police Sgts. Michael Schnurr and Nicole Nelson, along with Officers Servando Pahang, Cory Silvio, and William Howze, on official misconduct charges.

According to the investigation, Mr. Terruso, who was experiencing behavioral and medical symptoms during his arrest, was brought to the jail by Hamilton Township officers instead of a hospital for treatment. The officers allegedly hid information about Mr. Terruso's condition from jail staff, and while incarcerated, Mr. Terruso's condition worsened. Medical personnel requested he be taken to a hospital, but Mr. Terruso experienced a medical episode while being restrained by correctional officers, ultimately leading to his death.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, "In New Jersey, our police officers show compassion and provide help to people dealing with problems and distress on a daily basis, dutifully and often quietly doing the work that makes theirs such a noble profession. But for Mr. Terruso, those sworn to protect him are the very people alleged to have abused him in his time of need – leading the Grand Jury to determine that two of the officers involved are criminally responsible for his death."

If convicted, the indicted officers could face significant prison time and fines. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.