The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability released on Mar. 17 mobile video recorder and surveillance footage related to a fatal vehicle collision that occurred on November 9, 2025, in West Deptford. The incident resulted in the death of Jose M. Martinez, age 42, of Lindenwold, and is currently under investigation by the office.
The release of the footage follows policies set by the Attorney General to ensure transparency and fairness in investigations involving fatal police encounters. Representatives for Mr. Martinez’s family were given an opportunity to review the recordings before they were made public.
According to the investigation, officers from the West Deptford Police Department responded around 6:00 p.m. to a report about two apparently intoxicated males. Patrolman Conor Goggin attempted to stop a car matching the description provided but the driver sped away, ran a red light at Hessian and Red Bank Avenues, and collided with another vehicle driven by Mr. Martinez. The crash killed Mr. Martinez and injured his passenger.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting George Linard, age 24, who was driving the fleeing car. Linard faces charges including two counts of aggravated manslaughter, eluding police, death by auto, four counts of aggravated assault, and fraudulent possession of a government license after allegedly providing false identification. Authorities note that these are accusations only and Linard is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Under state law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment decisions regarding involved officers.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards statewide according to its official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities according to its official website, influencing public safety through law enforcement oversight according to its official website. Its statutory mandate includes enforcing laws, prosecuting offenses, regulating public safety matters according to its official website, as well as offering legal representation for the state, crime lab support, victim advocacy programs, and consumer protection initiatives according to its official website. The agency operates across New Jersey focusing on justice and public safety issues according to its official website.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated under New Jersey’s Independent Prosecutor Directive can be found on the Attorney General’s website.
