⚖️ Somerville Man Found Competent to Stand Trial in 2024 Homicide
A Somerville man is now fit to stand trial for the 2024 stabbing death of Mary Rose Fealy. A judge ruled that David Shroitman regained competency following treatment at a forensic center and is scheduled for a court appearance in September.
SOMERVILLE, NJ — August 18, 2026 — A 30-year-old Somerville man accused of killing 27-year-old Mary Rose Fealy has been found competent to stand trial following a competency hearing earlier this month.
Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober ruled on August 13 that David Shroitman is competent to proceed with his defense in connection with Fealy's January 30, 2024, stabbing death.
⚖️ Competency Determination
Shroitman was previously found incompetent to stand trial on April 10, 2025, following evaluations and testimony from multiple doctors.
Judge Tober subsequently ordered Shroitman committed to the Ann Klein Forensic Center for treatment and restoration of competency.
Following additional testimony during the August 13, 2026 hearing, Judge Tober determined that Shroitman is now competent to stand trial.
The judge cited testimony from Dr. Daniel Eddins of Ann Klein, describing his expert opinion as particularly honest and straightforward. The court also noted changes in Shroitman's behavior following his competency determination and found that continued counseling and medication had improved his ability to meaningfully participate in his defense.
Judge Tober further found that Shroitman demonstrated an understanding of the facts surrounding his case.
🕯️ 2024 Homicide
According to authorities, Somerville Police responded to a 9-1-1 call around 10:20 p.m. on January 30, 2024, reporting an injured and unresponsive woman outside a residential complex on North Bridge Street.
Responding officers located Fealy suffering from multiple apparent stab wounds. Officers and emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Fealy was pronounced deceased at the scene. 💔
A postmortem examination conducted February 1, 2024, determined that Fealy died from multiple stab wounds and ruled her death a homicide.
Investigators from the Somerville Police Department, Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigations Unit and the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner's Office worked together throughout the investigation.
On February 4, 2024, investigators obtained a court-authorized search warrant for Shroitman's residence, vehicle and person. Authorities executed the warrant later that evening and located Shroitman.
He was formally arrested and charged on February 5, 2024.
Investigators determined that Shroitman and Fealy were known to each other.
📅 Next Court Date
The homicide case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael McLaughlin and Assistant Prosecutor Catlin Davis, with assistance from Paralegal Supervisor Amy Vandergoot.
Shroitman's next court appearance is scheduled for September 14, 2026.
Garden State News Network will continue following the case as it moves forward through the court system. 📰⚖️