A state grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges against Keansburg Police Patrolman Tyler Manges in connection with the death of Willem Roman, who died following a police-involved shooting on May 27, 2024. The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) led the investigation and presented the case to the grand jury as required by New Jersey law.
According to investigators, officers responded to a welfare check at a residence on Seabreeze Way in Keansburg. Upon arrival, they found Mr. Roman unresponsive behind a closed bedroom door. When he exited the room wearing a ski mask and holding a running chainsaw, officers attempted to subdue him using both a conducted energy device and service weapon fire. Mr. Roman was struck by both and fell; he was also found to have had a crossbow and several knives.
Medical aid was rendered at the scene before Mr. Roman was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries on June 14, 2024.
The OPIA collected evidence including body-worn camera footage, 911 calls, interviews, ballistics reports, medical records, and autopsy results. After reviewing this information during deliberations concluded on July 28, 2025, the grand jury issued a "no bill," determining no criminal charges should be filed against Patrolman Manges.
Video footage from two police body cameras recorded during the incident is being released in line with Attorney General’s Office policies intended to promote transparency in investigations of fatal police encounters.
Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated: “The decedent has been previously identified as 46-year-old Willem Roman.” The investigation followed procedures established by state law requiring independent review of deaths involving law enforcement encounters. These laws require all such incidents be reviewed by grand juries for possible indictment decisions based on available evidence.
No conflicts of interest were identified among those assigned to this case after an internal review process overseen by OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner.
At the end of these types of investigations under New Jersey’s Independent Prosecutor Directive and standard operating procedures (SOPs), OPIA determines if administrative review or further action is warranted within relevant law enforcement agencies.
