TRENTON, NJ — A New Jersey state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against two Hamilton Township police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Vincent Correa, 44, during a gunfire exchange that left one officer wounded on March 8, 2024.
Key Points
- Vincent Correa, 44, was shot and killed during a domestic incident after firing on officers
- Grand jury voted “no bill” on April 7, concluding no charges should be filed
- Officer Derek Fiabane was injured in the exchange and survived his wounds
Domestic call escalated to gunfire
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) investigated the incident and presented evidence to a state grand jury under the 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive. According to investigators, Hamilton Township police responded to a 911 call on Orchard Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. on March 8. The caller, located outside the home, reported a domestic disturbance with an intoxicated household member and warned of firearms in the residence.
When Officers Derek Fiabane and Paul Piromalli entered the home, they encountered Correa, who was armed with a 5.56 semi-automatic rifle. Within seconds, Correa opened fire. Officer Fiabane was struck multiple times. Both officers returned fire, striking Correa.
Evidence and legal review
The officers and emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Correa was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:38 p.m. In addition to the rifle, police recovered a loaded 9mm handgun from Correa’s waistband.
Body camera footage from both officers was reviewed and previously released to the public. The evidence presented to the grand jury included that footage, along with interviews, photos, ballistics analysis, and autopsy findings. Following the review, the grand jury returned a “no bill” decision on April 7, determining that no indictment was warranted.
Process guided by transparency policies
Under New Jersey law, fatal encounters involving law enforcement must be presented to a grand jury. The grand jury received instructions on applicable criminal charges and legal justifications, including self-defense. A conflicts check found no issues among investigative personnel, and the findings were reviewed by OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner.
The shooting occurred during an official law enforcement response and involved officers acting in their legal capacity.