SOMERVILLE, N.J. (Somerset County) — A Somerville man was taken into custody Sunday afternoon after a SWAT response to his home, where authorities discovered a deceased woman in advanced decomposition, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald announced.
Somerville police were called to a residence on Mastogen Drive around 1:08 p.m. on Nov. 16 for a report of possible gunshots. A nearby resident told officers he heard what sounded like shots coming from the home and saw a male resident retreat inside, McDonald said.
Officers attempted to make contact with the residents, who were known to authorities, but were unsuccessful. During those attempts, an officer saw an unresponsive woman lying on the kitchen floor through a window, prompting police to request assistance from Bridgewater police to secure a perimeter.
At 2:09 p.m., Somerville police requested activation of the Somerset County SWAT team. Crisis negotiators, tactical medics, and SWAT members responded and made several failed attempts to reach the male resident, officials said.
At approximately 3:18 p.m., SWAT officers made a tactical entry and found Thomas M. Shaulis, 66, lying on a couch in the living room with four handguns near him, McDonald said. Shaulis was immediately taken into custody.
Additional SWAT members continued through the home and located the deceased woman on the kitchen floor. Authorities reported hoarder-like living conditions and a significant bed bug infestation inside the residence.
Detectives from the Somerville Police Department, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and medical investigators from the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office responded. Numerous firearms and ammunition were removed from the home under a Superior Court search warrant.
A neighborhood canvass revealed two bullet holes in the exterior of a nearby residence, authorities said. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the woman’s identity and determine the cause and manner of death.
Shaulis was taken to a hospital for observation and remains there. He has been charged with second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose. Upon discharge, he will be transported to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The investigation is ongoing.
Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100, the Somerville Police Department at 908-725-0331, or submit anonymous tips via the STOPit app (code: SOMERSETNJ) or the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
