New Jersey: Republican politician murdered outside her home

Eunice Dwumfour, a Sayreville, N.J. councilwoman, was killed Wednesday night after being shot several times inside her car while standing just outside her home.

Reports indicate that the 30-year-old Republican councilwoman was found in her vehicle around 7:22 p.m. with about 10 gunshot wounds. Authorities rushed to the scene after receiving a 911 call and Dwumfour was pronounced dead on arrival.

Initially, neither police nor prosecutors identified the victim, though the widespread reports were eventually confirmed. Security camera footage later revealed that, just before the shooting, Dwumfour was talking to a man standing outside her car.

No suspects have yet been identified for this act of "senseless violence," as New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairman Bob Hugin called it. "We will remember Eunice for her steadfast dedication to the community, as well as her deep and abiding Christian faith. We have the utmost confidence that law enforcement will bring the perpetrators of this heartbreaking tragedy to justice. God Bless Councilwoman Dwumfour and her family," he said.

Local leaders honor councilwoman's memory

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement regarding the woman's death and stressed that state police will be on hand to help with the investigation. "I am stunned by the news of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour’s murder last evening in an act of gun violence. I send my condolences to her family and friends, and the entire Sayreville community," he said.

Victoria Kilpatrick, mayor of Sayreville, also spoke on the incident, expressing sadness and "shock" about Dwumfour's murder. "Eunice was a dedicated member of our Borough Council who was truly committed to serve all of our residents. The fact that she was taken from us by a despicable criminal act makes this incident all the more horrifying," she said.