Police blotter
The information below was provided by police unless otherwise noted.
Trenton
Decomposed ID: Police released the identification of the woman whose decomposed body was found in a Donnelly Homes apartment Tuesday evening. Renita Gay Charles, 41, was found lying on her back in bed with blankets up to her neck and the television on. Police who found the body said they smelled a “foul odor” as soon as a Trenton Housing Authority security officer opened the apartment’s door. It’s unclear how long Charles had been deceased, but her relatives told cops they had not spoken to her in approximately two weeks, and that it was “unusual” for them to not hear from her. Police say a medical examiner found “no conclusive cause of death” and no signs of foul play. “They don’t believe there’s any foul play involved, we’re just waiting on toxicology to come back,” Lt. Peter Szpakowski said.
Stolen Car: Bishmalla Robinson, 23, was arrested in connection with a stolen car incident that happened on November 7. Officials say cops saw Robinson driving a stolen vehicle that day, but he escaped capture by running away during the traffic stop.
Warrants were then issued for his arrest and he was apprehended Wednesday night.
Assault: Leonard Christie, 52, was arrested for allegedly assaulting someone on December 30. Officials say the victim suffered lacerations to his lip and forehead, as well as bleeding and swelling to his eye.
Heroin, Coke and Pot: Edward Kulha, 55, and Donell Williams, 25, were arrested after police witnessed a drug deal on Fulton Street. During the investigation, police seized 160decks of heroin, 40grams of marijuana, 32grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, such as a scale and packaging material. Police also recovered a 9mm round of ammunition and a .32caliber bullet as well. Police say Williams was caught selling drugs to Kulha, and that detectives confiscated $835as suspected proceeds from drug sales.
West Windsor
Fatal Crash ID: Police identified the man who died in a two-car crash Tuesday as 32-year-old Adam L. Goldenberg, of Plainsboro. Police say Goldenberg’s Infiniti hit the concrete traffic divider on Route 1, then struck the back of another vehicle, before veering off the roadway, striking a utility pole and hitting a tree. Police say the investigation determined that weather and road conditions were not factors in the accident. The Investigation is ongoing.
Burlington
Liability for Death: Shannon McGuigan, 33, has been indicted for causing the death of a customer to whom she sold fentanyl-laced heroin in 2017. McGuigan is charged with strict liability for druginduced death and related offenses. Prosecutors say the investigation revealed the 26-year-old female victim purchased drugs from McGuigan a short time before she fatally overdosed in May 2017.
Arson: Kurt Smith, 60, has been indicted for causing a house fire that resulted in the deaths of his elderly mother and her companion late last year. Smith is charged with aggravated manslaughter and arson. Prosecutors say the investigation revealed Smith was in the garage of the Willow Boulevard home with two other people when he ignited flammable material with a cigarette lighter. He unsuccessfully tried to extinguish the blaze, which quickly spread once the garage door was opened. The fire killed his mother, Lore Smith, and her companion, George Pikunis, both 92 years of age.