SOMERVILLE, N.J. (Somerset County) — A 30-year-old Somerville man charged in the 2024 stabbing death of Mary Rose Fealey has been found competent to stand trial, more than a year after a judge initially found him incompetent.
Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober ruled Aug. 13 that David Shroitman is competent to stand trial in connection with the death of Fealey, 27, who was found with multiple stab wounds outside her North Bridge Street home on Jan. 30, 2024.
Shroitman had previously been found incompetent to stand trial on April 10, 2025, following evaluations and testimony from multiple doctors. Tober ordered him committed to the Ann Klein Forensic Center to be restored to competency.
Another competency hearing was held Aug. 13, during which doctors provided additional testimony.
According to information released by authorities, Tober found that Dr. Daniel Eddins of the Ann Klein Forensic Center offered one of the most honest and forthright expert opinions heard by the court. The judge also noted changes in Shroitman’s behavior after Eddins determined he was competent, including what the court described as overstressing or highlighting his stated symptoms.
Tober found that Shroitman had an “extraordinarily competent understanding” of the facts of his case and that continued counseling and medication at the forensic center had increased his ability to meaningfully participate in his defense.
The case stems from the death of Fealey on Jan. 30, 2024. Somerville police responded at approximately 10:20 p.m. to a 911 call reporting an injured, unresponsive woman outside a residential complex on North Bridge Street.
Officers found Fealey suffering from multiple apparent stab wounds and began lifesaving measures along with medical personnel. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A postmortem examination conducted Feb. 1, 2024, determined that Fealey died from multiple stab wounds and ruled her death a homicide.
Investigators obtained search warrants for Shroitman’s residence, vehicle and person on Feb. 4, 2024. Authorities detained him later that night, and he was formally arrested and charged Feb. 5. Investigators said Shroitman and Fealey knew each other.
The 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 Sept. 14.
