Grand jury declines charges against Haddon Township officer in fatal 2024 shooting

HADDON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges against a South Jersey police officer in connection with the 2024 fatal shooting of a man in Haddon Township.

Authorities said Haddon Township police Officer Luke Falkenberg was responding to a reported attempted burglary around 1 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2024, when he encountered 46-year-old Keith Edelin armed with a knife.

According to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, officers found blood in the lobby and elevator of an apartment complex before locating Edelin on a stairwell landing.

Investigators said Edelin was holding a knife and repeatedly refused officers' commands to drop the weapon.

After a verbal confrontation that lasted several minutes, authorities said Edelin advanced down the stairs toward the officers. Falkenberg then fired his service weapon, striking Edelin.

Edelin was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

No officers were injured during the encounter.

The state grand jury reviewed 911 calls, witness testimony, body-worn camera footage and other evidence before determining that criminal charges were not warranted.