A state grand jury in New Jersey has decided not to bring criminal charges against police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Karl Gregory, 46, of New York City. The incident took place at the Royal Albert’s Palace Hotel in Woodbridge on June 13, 2024, during an encounter with officers from the Woodbridge and New York City police departments.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) conducted an investigation into Mr. Gregory’s death and presented its findings to a state grand jury as required by the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019. In July 2021, OPIA established standard operating procedures to ensure that these presentations are handled neutrally and objectively.
The investigation included evidence such as hotel surveillance footage, body-worn camera recordings, interviews with civilians and law enforcement personnel, photographs, ballistics reports, and autopsy results. This information was reviewed by the grand jury before it concluded its deliberations on August 29, 2025. The grand jury returned a “no bill,” meaning no criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved.
According to investigators, on June 12, 2024, Edison Police Department officers received an alert from an automated license plate reader indicating that Mr. Gregory’s vehicle—sought in connection with a shooting in New York City that resulted in life-threatening injuries—was nearby. Officers from Edison and Woodbridge located the unoccupied vehicle at the Royal Albert’s Palace Hotel parking lot and notified the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Detectives from NYPD joined Woodbridge police on June 13 for a briefing about the ongoing investigation related to Mr. Gregory. At around 12:19 a.m., while law enforcement was interviewing a civilian at the hotel, they were informed via surveillance that Mr. Gregory was approaching the elevator hallway. Officers positioned themselves near the lobby elevators.
When Mr. Gregory exited the elevator holding several bags at approximately 12:21 a.m., he dropped his bags upon seeing police and reached into a black backpack. Officers instructed him to show his hands and drop his bag before he produced a handgun. An exchange of gunfire lasting about 20 seconds ensued between Mr. Gregory and Woodbridge Officers Drew Krupinski and Justin Nerney along with NYPD Detective Matthew Mauro.
Mr. Gregory was struck during this exchange; officers provided medical aid until EMS arrived but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:42 a.m. Authorities recovered a handgun near Mr. Gregory that matched shell casings found at the scene as well as additional ammunition in his backpack and vehicle.
Woodbridge Officer Nerney and NYPD Detective Mauro were also injured by gunfire during this incident but have since been released from hospital care.
Police body-worn camera footage related to this event has previously been made available online.
Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment consideration against involved officers; jurors are instructed regarding relevant criminal offenses as well as legal justifications such as self-defense.
A conflicts check confirmed there were no conflicts of interest among those assigned to investigate this case according to established protocols under the Independent Prosecutor Directive; OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner reviewed all findings prior to their presentation to the grand jury.
Following these investigations—and per protocol—OPIA determines whether any officer should undergo administrative review according to Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures overseen by OPIA for timely completion and appropriate follow-up actions based on review outcomes.
